In a statement signed by Binta Mamman, the state Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, the government stated that the radio station has remained on air.
The Niger State government has backtracked on shutting down Badeggi FM 90.1, contradicting an earlier directive by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to suspend the station’s operations over alleged unethical broadcasting and incitement.
In a statement signed by Binta Mamman, the state Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, the government stated that the radio station has remained on air.
This is coming after backlash and mounting condemnation greeted the state government’s earlier resolve to shut down the private radio station.
“To demonstrate its commitment to lawful procedure and media independence, the Niger State Government confirms that Badegi FM 90.1 has remained on air uninterrupted, pending a formal investigation by the NBC,” the statement read.
SaharaReporters reported on Friday, August 1, 2025, that Governor Bago, during an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus Meeting in Minna, expressed concern over reports of unethical broadcasting practices and incitement allegedly associated with the station.
A directive was issued calling for the suspension of the station’s operations pending further review.
However, the Commissioner’s statement emphasised that “the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) retains the constitutional authority to regulate broadcast licenses, including suspension or revocation decisions.”
It further stated that “the Ministry has accordingly initiated the process of formally notifying the NBC of the allegations for appropriate regulatory action.”
The government also said that “while the State Government prioritises national peace, unity, and responsible journalism, it fully respects the rule of law and the regulatory powers vested in the NBC by Nigeria’s legal framework.”
Describing the station’s continued operation as a reflection of media freedom, the Ministry stated, “The continued operation of Badegi FM 90.1 serves as clear evidence of the state’s respect for democratic values, regulatory integrity, and press freedom.”
In response to the wider concerns surrounding the matter, the Ministry announced that it “plans to convene a stakeholder dialogue involving media executives, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other actors to promote responsible journalism and build institutional trust.”
The statement further assured the public of the government’s non-interference in matters under the exclusive jurisdiction of federal regulators, urging all stakeholders “to remain calm and await the outcome of the NBC’s investigation in the collective interest of peace, accountability, and national development.”
Leave a Reply