Badegi FM Suspension: Minister Directs NBC to Handle the Matter

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has officially acknowledged the feedback and concerns raised by stakeholders and media experts over the recent suspension of Badegi FM, a Minna-based radio outlet, by the Niger State Government.

According to reports, the directive to suspend Badegi FM originated from Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago during an extended All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting that took place in Minna on August 1. Notably, the Minister of Information and National Orientation was also present during the meeting.

Governor Bago is said to have justified the order by citing allegations of unprofessional broadcasting practices and content deemed provocative against the state administration.

In an official release signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, who serves as the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, the Ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by the Niger State Government. However, it stressed that the revocation or suspension of broadcast licences falls under the exclusive authority of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which is the legally recognized regulatory body in such matters.

The Ministry welcomed the Niger State Government’s move to refer the issue to the NBC, calling it the most appropriate and lawful route for addressing such accusations of misconduct by broadcast stations.

The Minister, in the statement, urged all involved to remain composed while the issue is thoroughly examined.

It concluded by affirming that the NBC is fully equipped with the structures and capacity to investigate and settle the matter in a just and unbiased manner.