FG faults closure of Radio station by Niger Governor

In a prompt reaction to the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, the state capital on the orders of the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the federal government has faulted the decision declaring the action as unconstitutional.

In a statement this Saturday, (2/8/25), by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made it clear that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the power to suspend the licence of any radio station.

The Minister who called on stakeholders in the media industry to remain calm however lauded the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.

Recall, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State had ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, the state capital in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.

According to the statement, Governor directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD) to shut down the media outfit and further ordered that the licence of the station be confiscated and the owner be profiled.

The statement reads thus:
“Ministry of Information and National Orientation has taken note of concerns raised by various stakeholders in the media industry regarding the recent directive by the Niger State Government to suspend the operations of Badegi FM, a radio station in Minna.

“According to reports, the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, issued the directive during an expanded Niger State APC Caucus Meeting in Minna on August 1, which the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation attended. The Governor reportedly cited allegations of unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government.

“While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law. In light of this, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.

“The Minister appeals to all parties to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner.”