NiRA ELECTION YEAR

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) is a not-for-profit organisation, Non-governmental, self-regulatory body established by the Federal Government of Nigeria, to manage the country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), the .ng ccTLD. NiRA promotes the use and growth of the Internet in Nigeria with the widespread adoption of the .ngTLD in a secure and reliable manner. NiRA is a special purpose vehicle of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). NiRA is often referenced as a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

By its constitution, NiRA is governed by three structures (the General Assembly, Board of Trustees and the Executive Board of Directors).  In the past, these three structures embarked on the review of the NiRA Constitution. The constitution states how NiRA should be governed and how the people occupying the positions on the Executive Board and Board of Trustees should be elected.

By November 2020, members of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) concluded the review of its constitution. We have commenced the process of filing the updated constitution at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The new NiRA constitution would be used to conduct the elections into the vacant positions that would arise as the tenure of some NiRA Board members end on the 30th of April 2021.

The Governance Election guidelines have been developed on how the elections would be conducted. The elections would be conducted electronically. NiRA had since 2017, conducted online elections for the vacant positions. We expect the NiRA membership to vote wisely, for those who would occupy the positions on the NiRA Executive Board.

On the 9th February 2021, the world celebrated the 18th edition of Safer Internet Day. We encourage all to cultivate and maintain safe habits online. It is very essential for the safety of all. Adhere to the safety tips published by NITDA.

Also remember the guidelines as published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). You can access these guidelines via NCDC Coronavirus COVID-19 Microsite. The second wave of COVID-19 is causing more harm than when the coronavirus was first announced in Nigeria in the year 2020. As we wait for the availability of the coronavirus vaccines, we have been told to be guided by the NCDC.

Please keep safe and well.

Muhammed Rudman

President, NiRA