Hostlag’s Guide to Registering a .gov.ng / .mil.ng Domain Name

Who is eligible?

This domain is reserved for government institutions in Nigeria — including federal, state and local government bodies, ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs) and approved long-term government projects (18 months or more). NiRA (.ng) Website+2NiRA (.ng) Website+2

What the process involves

Step 1: Authorization Letter

Provide a scanned letter on the institution’s official letterhead, signed by the Head of the Institution/MDA or the next-in-hierarchy officer.

• If registering via a registrar: Address the letter to the Chief Operating Officer of Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA). NITDA+1

• If registering direct via National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA): Address the letter to the Director-General of NITDA. NITDA+1

Step 2: Submission & Review

• Hostlag will submit the scanned authorization letter on your behalf to NiRA.

• NITDA (or NiRA working with NITDA) verifies the authenticity of the letter and the eligibility of your organisation. NiRA (.ng) Website

Step 3: Required Information to Include

Your authorization letter must include:

• At least two (2) name servers, operational and clearly specified. NITDA

• Admin Contact: Full name, designation, phone number, email address. Must be a staff member of the Institution/MDA.

• Technical Contact: Full name, designation, phone, email. Can be a staff member or consultant if no in-house technical staff. NiRA (.ng) Website+1

• Desired domain name (e.g., youragency.gov.ng) clearly stated.

Naming & Policy Notes

• Domains for federal-level institutions are typically third-level (e.g., youragency.gov.ng); for state/local government entities the domain may be at fourth level (e.g., agency.state.gov.ng) depending on state policy. NiRA (.ng) Website+1

• The domain name should clearly reflect the institution’s official name — generic or unrelated names are liable to rejection. 

• service/processing fees apply

• Because this is a “closed” domain space, verification is mandatory and may take a few business days. 

How Hostlag Assists You

• We guide you through the eligibility check, ensuring you qualify for .gov.ng/.mil.ng.

• We guide you to craft the authorization letter, verifying all required details (contacts, name servers, correct addressee).

• We handle the submission of your documentation to NiRA/NITDA and follow-up on your behalf.

• We advise on configuration and activation once approved, and provide ongoing support for your domain’s maintenance.

Key Tips to Avoid Delays

• Ensure the authorization letter is on official letterhead, addressed correctly, and properly signed.

• Double-check all contact details (name, designation, phone, email) and that the contacts are available.

• Confirm that the name servers you submit are already functional and spelled correctly.

• Choose a domain name that unambiguously corresponds to your organization’s identity.

Contact Us

Need help or ready to start?
Email: hostlagsupport@hostlag.com
We’re here to support you every step of the way.