The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) declared on Saturday that Seyi Onasanya had been appointed its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective April 1, 2025.
NiRA, responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), “.ng.” The appointment is expected to enhance the Nigerian internet ecosystem’s stability, security, and reliability given Ms. Onasanya’s previous work experience.
NiRA welcomes experienced leader
In her new position, Ms. Onasanya contributes more than two decades of professional experience. Before joining NiRA, she was Director at SNEVA Global Associates, a business advisory and corporate development firm.
She was the Director and Head of Business Advisory at FITC and the People & Organisation Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
NiRA’s ideal leader is a result of her extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, management consulting, business operations, and strategy, as well as her comprehensive exposure to the private and public sectors.
Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of NiRA, expressed confidence in Ms. Onasanya’s leadership, stating, “With Ms. Onasanya’s extensive experience in business operations, strategy, management consulting, stakeholder engagement, and her broad exposure across the private and public sectors, we firmly believe she is the ideal leader to propel NiRA’s mission forward.”
He further emphasised: “Her strong leadership skills and deep understanding of the DNS ecosystem and internet governance will be instrumental in advancing our position in this critical space. We are confident that her expertise will significantly contribute to NiRA’s continued growth and success.”
Onasanya to drive strategic execution as NiRA’s COO
As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ms. Onasanya will be responsible for the management team, day-to-day operations, and the Executive Board of Directors’ Secretary in NiRA. Her responsibilities encompass promoting strategic execution and operational excellence throughout the organisation.
The NiRA Secretariat, led by the COO, is instrumental in the efficient operation of NiRA in cyberspace, in addition to the numerous committees of the Board.
Ms. Onasanya succeeds Mrs. Eyitayo Iyortim, the immediate past COO, who was recently elected Chairperson/President of the African Top-Level Domains (AfTLD). This transition emphasises NiRA’s dedication to preserving its leadership and expertise in managing Nigeria’s digital identity through the .ng domain space.
NiRA’s governance framework comprises an Executive Board of Directors and a Board of Trustees. The President serves as the president of the Executive Board, while the Chairman serves as the presiding officer of the Board of Trustees.
The Secretariat oversees the organization’s daily operations in collaboration with numerous committees to guarantee the stability and security of Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.
NiRA’s mission to promote internet accessibility, digital innovation, and national digital identity is consistent with Ms. Onasanya’s appointment. Her proficiency in organisation strategy, HR transformation, digital capability development, corporate governance, and leadership mentoring will significantly advance NiRA’s objectives.
Ms. Onasanya is well-positioned to ensure NiRA’s ongoing success in the digital sector, given her demonstrated history of leading large-scale transformation initiatives throughout Nigeria and beyond.
