The forced closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM, a privately-owned radio station in Minna, Niger State, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from press freedom advocates and media organizations. The shutdown, allegedly ordered by Governor Mohammed Bago in response to the station’s critical reporting of his administration, has been condemned as a blatant attack on freedom of expression and a dangerous precedent for media suppression in Nigeria. The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria and the Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) have issued strong rebukes, demanding the immediate and unconditional reopening of the station and warning of serious consequences if the order is not rescinded. The incident underscores the precarious state of press freedom in the country and highlights the ongoing struggle between independent media outlets and government authorities.
The IPI, a global organization dedicated to defending press freedom, has characterized the shutdown as part of a worrying pattern of repression under Governor Bago’s administration. They cited previous instances of media harassment, including the January 2025 detention of Yakubu Mustapha, a journalist with Peoples Daily, and the alleged assault of a Voice of America (VOA) correspondent, Mustapha Batsari, by a state commissioner in 2023. The IPI argues that Governor Bago’s actions violate fundamental constitutional guarantees enshrined in Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect freedom of the press and the right to access information. They have issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the reopening of Badeggi FM, threatening to include Governor Bago in their “Book of Infamy,” a global register of individuals known for suppressing and intimidating the press. This listing, shared with international embassies, media rights organizations, and human rights groups, aims to hold those responsible for media repression accountable for their actions.
The ABMPF, a regional association of broadcast media professionals, has echoed the IPI’s condemnation, issuing a stern warning of a potential media blackout of all Niger State government activities unless the clampdown on Badeggi FM ceases. The forum accuses the state government of harassment and unlawful attempts to silence the station. However, they commend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for upholding its mandate and refusing to implement the reportedly illegal closure order issued by the state government. They also praise the Minister of Information, Alhaji Idris Mohammed, for reaffirming that only the NBC has the authority to regulate broadcast stations, not state governments. This highlights the jurisdictional complexities and potential for overreach by state actors in attempting to control media narratives.
ABMPF chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, asserts that Badeggi FM has remained on air despite the government’s pressure, demonstrating a resilience and commitment to independent journalism. He warns that if the governor fails to rein in those responsible for the alleged intimidation, the forum will instruct all member stations across the region to boycott coverage of Niger State government activities. This coordinated action would represent a significant escalation of the conflict and could severely limit the government’s ability to communicate its message to the public. The forum’s stance reflects the growing frustration within the media community regarding what they perceive as a hostile environment for independent journalism.
Beyond the immediate crisis surrounding Badeggi FM, the ABMPF also raises broader concerns about the allocation of media resources and patronage by northern governors. They accuse these governors of disproportionately channeling media budgets to Southwest-based outlets while neglecting local, often struggling, northern broadcasters like Badeggi FM. This perceived bias, they argue, further marginalizes regional media and limits their ability to effectively serve their communities. The forum claims that “billions of Naira” are funneled annually to Southwest media, a stark contrast to the challenges faced by independent northern stations like Badeggi FM, which are often left to contend with limited resources and political hostility. This disparity in funding, they argue, undermines the development of a vibrant and independent media landscape in the northern region.
Both IPI and ABMPF emphasize the vital role of the media in a functioning democracy. They stress that a free press acts as a crucial check on power and a platform for diverse voices. They urge political leaders to engage constructively with the media rather than resorting to suppression and intimidation. They remind authorities that the media serves as a mirror of society and a pillar of democratic governance, deserving of respect and responsible engagement. The shutdown of Badeggi FM serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect press freedom in Nigeria and the importance of upholding constitutional guarantees for a vibrant and independent media landscape. The incident highlights the need for continuous vigilance and advocacy to ensure that journalists can operate without fear of reprisal and that the public has access to a diversity of information sources.
