Types of . NG Domains Extensions You Should Know

Domain names are used to represent a brand image while the domain extension distinguishes the types of websites. Domain extensions are categorized by website type, purpose, and connection to a country. In the Nigerian context, the most common domain extensions are .com, .org.ng .com.ng, and .ng. These domain extensions play a pivotal role in reaching targeted audiences while also fostering trust and credibility. 

Choosing .NG Domain

There are various factors to consider when choosing a domain name with the.NG extension. Your choice of domain extension influences your audience’s opinion about your business. For example, a website with a .ORG.NG may give the impression of a non-profit or charity-based organization.

It becomes important to learn the various types of domain extensions before registering on the domain name server (DNS).

Benefit Of .NG Domain Extension

Domain names with an NG domain extension can reach a local audience. This sends a signal to search engine platforms that the website intends to target prospects residing in Nigeria.

Website with . NG domain extension builds trust among local audiences. This is because these types of websites stand out among competitors showing the same content on the internet.

Differences Between .Com Vs .NG Domain

Both domain extensions are top-level domain (TLD) recognized in Nigeria with high potential in reaching prospects. However, their differences in these domain extensions include the following;

• Originally .com domain extension was built to reach global audiences while the .ng domain is targeted at Nigerian residents.
• The .NG domain extension was introduced after 10 years of .com existence on the internet space.
• Many believe websites with .com extension to be more professional when compared with .ng websites.

Classification Of .NG Domain Extension

There are majorly two types of websites that identify with this.NG extension, and they are;

1. Open Domain
2. Closed Domain

Open Domain: These are the types of domain extensions that are available for commercial use. The registration process is usually open to the public without any restrictions whatsoever.

Closed Domain: These types of domain extensions are restricted to certain organizations mainly government parastatals. Additional documents are required before these websites can be approved for use. A popular example of this is websites with .gov, and .edu extensions.

10 Types of . NG Domains Extensions

Open Domains

Based on the classification given above, the following are types of .NG domain extension classified under the open domain types:

• .COM.NG

This is a combination of two domain name extensions, and it’s considered an alternative for Nigerian website owners, businesses and entrepreneurs whose choice of domain name has already been taken. Some websites register both .com and .com.ng to boost their credibility status. This is because top websites like Jumia can be easily cloned with a .com.ng for fraudulent gains, so it makes sense to create a second website with a .com.ng to redirect visitors to the main website. 

• .ORG.NG

The domain extension is considered professional, cost friendly, and accessible to people across countries. Historically, these types of domain extensions are used by non-profit organizations having its seat of operation in Nigeria. Websites that use these types of domain extensions are distinguished from websites that are set up for profit maximization.

However, there has been a modification allowing profit-oriented businesses to register for these types of domain extensions since the firm was sold to an investment company in 2019. 

• .I.NG: 

The i.ng extension n is an alternative to .NG domain extension. Businesses in Nigeria that are adamant about registering specific names for their website can consider this option. 

The domain extension is also affordable and can be used for several purposes on the webspace. In most cases, this type of website is ideal for professionals who want to create a personal website. 

• .NAME.NG:

This type of website is recommended for people who want to create a website for personal use. It is recommended for individuals who want to represent their personal business or brand on the Internet. For example, graphic designers, music artists, actors, and video editors can showcase their portfolios on this type of website.

The best part is that the website is relatively cheaper than other domain extensions. 

• .MOBI.NG: 

This type of website is a top choice for Nigerians who want to create websites or apps for smartphone users. This domain extension is ideal for creating mobile-friendly apps for business enterprises.

Closed Domains:

Below are list of some popular closed domain extensions for .ng:

• .GOV.NG: 

This website is associated with the Nigerian government or a specific branch of the government. Several ministries of the Nigerian government create and manage their website for official purposes. These types of websites are used for transparency purposes whereby the common man can access relevant information about government activities, and policies. 

Domain names with the gov.ng extension cannot be impersonated because approval from the central government is mandatory before the registration process is completed. Examples of these types of websites are Nelf.gov.ng, Nassp.gov.ng, agriculture.gov.ng, and many more. 

• .MIL.NG: 

This domain extension is tied to the military and defence branch of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The registration of this domain extension is usually authorized by the office of the Military of Defence. 

 Internet users can only see this type of domain extension on the Nigerian police force, army, civil defence, customs, FRSC, and many more websites. Information that benefits the populace and military personnel is typically released on this type of website.

• .EDU.NG: 

This type of website is used to identify academic institutions at the tertiary level. Academic websites with this type of domain extension have received accreditation from the Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria.

However, government approved secondary schools and other institutions are restricted from using this type of domain extension. The registration is only open to tertiary institutions, and examples of this type of website are UNIBEN.edu.ng, OAU.edu.ng, LASU.edu.ng, etc.

• .NET.NG: 

This type of domain is associated with businesses in the networking and telecommunication industry. It is also suitable for business that provides phone services such as selling internet bundles or airtime. 

This domain extension is also suitable for hosting service providers, domain services, mobile phones, accessories dealers, etc.

• .SCH.NG: 

This domain extension is ideal for websites that operate an educational website at the primary or high school level. Tertiary institutions that are yet to receive accreditation from bodies such as the NUC can use this domain extension to mark their presence on the internet. 

Registration of this type of domain extension is opened to accredited primary, high school, or vocational schools that meet government standards.

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Conclusion

In summary, NG domain extensions are primarily for businesses and brands with targeted audiences in Nigeria. There are various types of .NG domains and the most common of them all is the .com.ng domain extension. 

Website owners must do adequate research before choosing a domain extension to avoid the misrepresentation of the website’s identity or mission.