By Ammar M. Rajab Amid growing outcry over the suspension of Badeggi FM in Niger State, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and ...
By Ammar M. Rajab
Amid growing outcry over the suspension of Badeggi FM in Niger State, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation has called for calm, emphasising that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) holds the legal authority to regulate broadcasting operations in the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Minister acknowledged concerns raised by media stakeholders following the directive by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to halt the operations of the independent radio station during an expanded APC caucus meeting on August 1 in Minna.
The statement, signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, confirmed the Minister’s attendance at the meeting where the directive was issued, and noted that the Governor’s decision was reportedly based on alleged “unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government.”
While recognizing the grievances expressed by press freedom advocates, the Ministry clarified the limits of state authority in broadcasting matters, stating, “The suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law.”
The statement further welcomed the Niger State Government’s decision to escalate the matter to the NBC, urging all parties to await the Commission’s investigation and ruling.
“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,” it said.
The controversy over Badeggi FM’s suspension has sparked widespread backlash from press freedom groups, including the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, which described the action as unlawful and threatened to blacklist Governor Bago if the station is not reopened.
The Ministry’s statement marks the federal government’s first formal response since the shutdown, as pressure mounts on both state and federal authorities to respect constitutional protections for free speech and media independence.
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