A Nigerian state governor has drawn sharp criticism for allegedly ordering the abrupt shutdown of a local radio station over critical broadcasts, sparking fresh concerns about press freedom in Africa’s most populous democracy. Badegi 90.1FM, based in Niger State, was reportedly closed on August 1 following directives from Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, prompting condemnation from media rights advocates who labeled the move an unconstitutional abuse of power.
The International Press Centre (IPC), a Lagos-based watchdog, accused Bago of overstepping his authority by silencing the station without due process. According to the IPC, the governor ordered the closure during a meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party after the outlet aired content perceived as unfavorable to his administration. While officials have yet to publicly address the allegations, local reports suggest the action bypassed Nigeria’s media regulatory frameworks.
“This is a pure abuse of executive powers and an abysmal display of disregard for media institutions,” said Lanre Arogundade, IPC’s Executive Director, in a weekend statement. He stressed that even if the station had violated regulations, formal complaints should have been filed with regulatory bodies like the National Broadcasting Commission rather than resorting to unilateral shutdowns.
Arogundade drew parallels to Nigeria’s authoritarian past, asserting that “fear and intimidation” tactics belonged to military regimes, not constitutional democracies. The IPC emphasized that only courts — not politicians — should adjudicate alleged media offenses, citing constitutional protections for free expression. The group demanded Badegi FM’s immediate reopening and warned against escalating efforts to stifle dissent.
The incident highlights persistent tensions between Nigerian authorities and independent media, despite constitutional guarantees for press freedom. Advocates argue such closures undermine democratic accountability, particularly in rural regions where radio remains a primary news source. Nigeria ranks 112th among 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2023 Press Freedom Index, with report noting increased harassment of journalists under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
While Niger State officials have not commented, observers note the case reflects broader patterns of Nigerian governors using administrative power to suppress criticism. In 2022, the Zamfara State government banned a newspaper for reporting on insecurity, while Ebonyi State restricted journalists from covering legislative proceedings last year.
As pressure mounts for Badegi FM’s restoration, media stakeholders urge federal institutions to intervene. “This is a democracy,” the IPC statement reiterated, “where freedom of speech, expression, and thought are not negotiable.” The station’s prolonged silence, advocates warn, risks normalizing censorship in a nation poised to mark 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in 2024.
