MINNA, Nigeria — Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has ordered the sealing of Badeggi FM, a private radio station based in Minna, over allegations of inciting the public against the government.
The directive, issued on Friday, August 1, 2025, at an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting at the government house, has stirred debate over the limits of executive power in regulating the media.
According to a statement from Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s chief press secretary, Bago accused the station of engaging in “unethical” broadcasts and of promoting content that could provoke violence.
“Governor Bago also accused the owner of the station of incitement of the people against the government and directed that the license of the radio station be revoked,” the statement read.
“He further instructed the commissioner for homeland security and the commissioner of police to seal the radio station, and emphasised the need for security operatives to profile the owner, as his station promotes violence.”
Badeggi FM 90.1, established in 2020 by Shuaibu Badeggi, is one of Niger State’s most prominent private radio platforms.
Its website states that the station was created to “inform, educate, and entertain” with a focus on grassroots engagement.
Despite the governor’s strong stance, legal experts have raised questions about the constitutionality of his directive.
Under Nigerian law, the regulation of broadcasting lies exclusively with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), a federal body empowered by the NBC Act of 1992 to handle licensing, content standards, and disciplinary actions involving radio and television stations.
“The governor has no legal authority to unilaterally shut down a licensed radio station,” a media law analyst told The Trent.
“Only the NBC can recommend suspension or revocation of a broadcast license, and even that must follow due process.”
The incident has sparked concern within media and civil society circles, who warn that such executive overreach could stifle press freedom and discourage critical journalism.
This development follows rising tensions in Niger State between the government and various civic voices critical of policy and governance issues.
Badeggi FM has reportedly aired several call-in programmes in recent weeks that drew public complaints against the administration, particularly on issues of security and resource allocation.
There has been no official response yet from Shuaibu Badeggi, the station’s founder, but staff of the radio station reportedly vacated the premises Friday evening following police presence around the station.
As of Saturday, August 2, 2025, the station was off-air.
