How to Register a .ng Domain: A Comprehensive Guide for Nigerians and Global Brands
Are you planning to build a brand or website in Nigeria? Then a .ng domain is one of the smartest investments you can make online. But how do you register one? How much does it cost?
Don’t worry. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about registering a .ng domain, including:
- What a .ng domain is and why you should get one
- Tips for choosing the perfect domain name
- Step-by-step instructions on how to register your domain
- Common FAQs about .ng domains
Table of Contents
By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to secure your very own .ng domain and take your online presence to the next level.
Let’s dive in!
What Is a .ng Domain?
The .ng domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria. Just like the United States has .us and the United Kingdom uses .uk, Nigeria’s unique identity on the web is .ng.
It’s managed by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the official registry responsible for overseeing .ng domain policies and registrations.
Why Choose a .ng Domain?
Here are some good reasons to choose a .ng domain name for your website:
- ✅ Nigerian identity – Great for local branding and audience trust.
- ✅ Better availability – More chances to grab your desired domain name.
- ✅ Faster SEO results locally – Improves visibility in Nigeria-specific Google searches.
- ✅ Local Relevance – A .ng domain instantly tells visitors that your website is Nigerian-based, building
Tips for Choosing the Perfect .ng Domain
- Keep It Short & Brandable – Avoid long, complicated names.
- Use Keywords Wisely – If possible, include relevant keywords (e.g., lagosfurniture.ng).
- Avoid Numbers & Hyphens – They make domains harder to remember.
- Check Social Media Availability – Ensure your brand name is available on Instagram, Twitter, etc.
- Protect Your Brand – Consider registering other extensions (e.g., .com, .net) to prevent copycats.
How Much Does a .ng Domain Cost?
A .ng domain typically costs between ₦24,450 – ₦35,000 or $15.30 – $22 per year.
How to Register a .ng Domain – Step by Step
Registering a .ng domain is simple if you follow these steps:
- Visit the Domain Registration Page
- Go to Domain Registration Page.
- Search for Your Desired Domain
- Locate the domain search bar on the page.
- Type in the name you want for your domain (e.g., “yourbusiness.ng”).
- Click the “Search” button to check its availability.
- Select the Domain
- If your domain is available, it will be displayed in the search results.
- Click the “Add to Cart” button, and then click “Continue” to proceed.
- Configure Your Domain
- Review the domain details.
- Click to choose ID Protection at no additional cost. This service protects your personal information from being publicly visible in the WHOIS database.
- Add a hosting package (Optional)
- You can either change the nameservers to your own or keep the default nameservers.
- Click “Continue” to proceed.
- Review Your Cart
- Check the summary of your order to confirm everything is correct.
- If you’re satisfied, click “Checkout”.
- Create or Log in to Your Account
- If you’re a new user, create an account by providing your details.
- Existing users can simply log in.
- Complete Payment
- Choose your preferred payment method (e.g., credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, mobile money).
- Enter your payment details and complete the transaction.
- Domain Activation
- Once payment is confirmed, your
.ngdomain will be instantly activated. - You can now set up your website, email addresses, or any other services.
- Once payment is confirmed, your
You’re done! 🎉 Your domain should be live within minutes
Link Your Domain to Hosting
If you already have web hosting, update your DNS nameservers in your account dashboard. If not, purchase a web hosting from Aveshost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Choosing a long or complicated domain name
- ❌ Forgetting to renew your domain annually
- ❌ Not linking your domain to hosting properly
Benefits of Registering a .ng Domain
Still wondering if it’s worth it? Here’s what you gain:
- 🇳🇬 Strong Nigerian presence and brand identity
- 🔍 Better local SEO performance on Google Nigeria
- 💡 Shorter, more memorable domain options
- 💼 Professional appearance for your business
- 📧 Ability to create branded email (e.g., [email protected])
Final Thoughts: Claim Your .ng Domain Today
Getting a .ng domain is a solid move if you want to build a strong online presence in Nigeria. It boosts local SEO, enhances credibility, and makes your brand more recognizable.
Just follow this guide, and take that first step to owning your Nigerian web identity.
Still confused? Drop your questions in the comments or contact us — we’re happy to help!
Suggested Reading:
- .com vs .com.gh: Which Domain Extension is Right for You?
- What Is WordPress? Beginner’s Guide Explained
- How to Host a PHP Website: A Beginner’s Guide
- How to Buy PHP Hosting: Beginner’s Guide
- How to Deploy Django App on cPanel (The Ultimate Guide)
- How to Deploy Laravel Project on cPanel
- What Is a Domain Name? Ultimate Guide for Beginners
- What is VPS Hosting? Complete Introduction to VPS Hosting
FAQs about .ng domain registration
Who can register a .ng domain?
Anyone can register a .ng domain, including individuals, businesses, and organizations in or outside Nigeria.
What’s the difference between .ng and .com.ng?
.ng domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Nigeria and can be used for any purpose, while .com.ng is a second-level domain specifically for commercial entities operating in Nigeria.
How long does it take to register a .ng domain?
.ng domains are activated instantly or within a few minutes after payment.
Do I need a Nigerian address to register a .ng domain?
No. You don’t need a Nigerian address to register a .ng domain. International registrants can also register .ng domains
Can I transfer my .ng domain to another registrar later?
Yes, .ng domains can be transferred between NiRA-accredited registrars. You’ll need to request a domain transfer code (EPP code) and follow the registrar’s transfer procedure.
