By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Media Clampdown in Niger: Bago Orders Closure of Badeggi FM, Faces Widespread Condemnation
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has ordered the immediate closure of Badeggi FM 90.1, a private radio station based in Minna, accusing it of inciting violence and broadcasting content deemed hostile to the state government.
The directive was issued during an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting held at the Government House, Minna. In addition to shutting down the station, Governor Bago called for the revocation of its operational license, alleging persistent unethical conduct and the promotion of content capable of destabilizing public peace.
The Governor further instructed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the State Commissioner of Police to seal the radio station premises and profile its owner for investigation.
However, the move has triggered a wave of criticism from media stakeholders, human rights organisations, and professional bodies, who view the action as an assault on press freedom and democratic norms.
Amnesty International condemned the governor’s action in strong terms, describing it as “misguided and unjustifiable.
” The organisation accused the Bago administration of abusing executive powers and targeting independent media instead of focusing on the pressing insecurity challenges facing the state.
Similarly, the Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) expressed disappointment over the closure, labelling it a direct attempt to gag the press.
The centre urged the government to adopt lawful channels, such as the right of reply or formal petition, rather than resorting to forceful shutdowns.
In its response, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, cautioned the governor against undermining the role of the media in a democratic society.
The Union reminded the governor that the power to issue or revoke radio licenses lies exclusively with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and not the state government.
In a statement signed by the NUJ State Secretary, Usman Chiji, after an emergency State Working Committee meeting, the Union advised Governor Bago to channel his grievances through the appropriate regulatory body rather than issuing unilateral executive directives.
“Media institutions are critical to the growth of democracy and the sustenance of accountability. We urge the governor to engage constructively with the media rather than perceiving every criticism as an attack on his government,” the NUJ stated.
As the controversy continues to unfold, stakeholders have called for a reversal of the closure and urged the Niger State Government to respect constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression and the press.
