Niger State Governor Faces Backlash Over Shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio Station
In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has ordered the shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio, a key media outlet based in the state capital, Minna. This decision has been met with outrage from journalists, civil society groups, and media organizations, all of whom see it as a direct attack on press freedom.
During an expanded meeting of the Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus, Governor Bago directed both the State Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd), to close the station, revoke its license, and profile its owner.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, stated that the shutdown was prompted by the station’s daily activities, but did not provide further details on the specific reasons for the decision.
A Call for Due Process
Abubakar Shuaib, the Director of Operations at Badeggi FM, expressed his disappointment over the governor’s order. He emphasized that if there were concerns about the station’s content, the proper channels, such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), should be followed. He further assured that the station had no intention of undermining public peace, but rather aimed to hold leaders accountable through responsible journalism. “Our duty is to hold leaders accountable and that is what we are doing,” he said.
A Threat to Press Freedom
The closure of Badeggi FM has drawn severe condemnation from multiple organizations, including the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, which called for the immediate reversal of the order. In a statement, IPI warned that if Governor Bago does not reverse the order within 48 hours, his name would be added to their Book of Infamy. The group also decried the action as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Sections 22 and 39, which guarantee freedom of expression and press freedom.
Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser, condemned the suspension, calling it an assault on democratic norms and a blatant abuse of power. They stressed that arbitrary closures of media outlets harm society by restricting the free flow of information.
Similarly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) joined the chorus of condemnation, describing the act as an attack on democracy itself. “This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where a free press is essential for holding those in power accountable,” the NGE said.
International Outcry and Local Reactions
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have also weighed in, condemning the government’s actions as an attempt to silence independent media. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a letter demanding the governor reverse the decision, reinstate the station’s license, and cease all actions aimed at suppressing press freedom.
The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) has threatened to boycott all official activities in the state if the Niger State government continues to undermine media freedom. According to the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, the radio station’s CEO confirmed that the station is still operational despite the governor’s orders.
A History of Media Harassment
This latest incident is not an isolated one. In 2023, a reporter for Voice of America, Mustapha Nasiru Batsari, was physically assaulted by a Niger State commissioner while attempting to cover a clash between Fulani herders and Gbagyi farmers. In another instance, in January 2025, security agents detained Yakubu Mustapha Bina, a correspondent for the People’s Daily Newspaper, for reporting on banditry.
The government’s repeated targeting of journalists in the state has raised concerns over the safety and freedom of the press in Niger State.
Legal Clarity on Media Licenses
While the Niger State government has taken a drastic step, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the authority to revoke broadcasting licenses. In a statement, the Minister assured that the issue would be resolved impartially.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the shutdown of Badeggi FM highlights ongoing challenges faced by media outlets in Nigeria, particularly in regions where political leaders appear to be using their authority to stifle independent reporting. The response from local and international organizations emphasizes the need to uphold press freedom and democratic principles.
As this case unfolds, stakeholders are urging Governor Bago to adhere to the rule of law and respect the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.