BON Commends Information Minister for Upholding Broadcast Regulations Amid Niger Governor’s Shutdown Order

By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, ...

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his swift and principled response to the recent directive by the Niger State Governor ordering the closure of a licensed radio station in the state capital.

The Minister had advised the Governor to channel any complaints against the station through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)—the regulatory body empowered by law to oversee and enforce compliance in Nigeria’s broadcast industry.

BON, in a statement, described the Minister’s position as “prudent and consistent with the legal framework” that governs the Nigerian broadcast sector.

“It is important to reiterate that only the NBC has the statutory authority to regulate and sanction broadcasters in Nigeria,” BON stated. “No state government has the power to unilaterally shut down a duly licensed radio or television station.”

The Governor’s move to shut down Badeggi FM in Minna—allegedly for airing content critical of the state government—has sparked concerns over press freedom and constitutional overreach. BON described the directive as “misguided” and a violation of the fundamental rights to free expression and media independence.

By advising the Governor to pursue due process through the NBC, the Minister demonstrated his commitment to the rule of law and media freedom, BON noted.

“We urge all levels of government to engage with the media through appropriate and lawful channels. Attempts to silence dissenting voices only serve to undermine democracy,” the statement added.

BON emphasised that a free, independent, and professionally regulated media is essential to a healthy democracy. The group called on public office holders to uphold the constitutional principles that guarantee freedom of the press and the right of citizens to access information.