The Federal Government has clarified that the authority to suspend or revoke the license of any broadcast station lies solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), not with state governments.
This position was made clear by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following the recent directive by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, ordering the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio, located in Minna, the state capital.
Governor Bago’s directive was announced via a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim. The decision, according to the statement, was made during an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting held at the Niger State Government House.
The Governor reportedly instructed the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd), to enforce the closure. He also ordered that the station’s license be confiscated and that the station’s owner be “profiled.”
In response, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, issued a statement on Saturday, urging calm across the media landscape and reaffirming the legal framework governing broadcasting in Nigeria.
“The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has taken note of concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the directive to suspend Badeggi FM, a radio station operating in Minna,” the statement read.
“As stipulated by law, the power to suspend or revoke broadcasting licenses rests solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). We acknowledge the decision by the Niger State Government to refer allegations of unethical broadcasting and incitement to the NBC for appropriate action.”
Minister Idris, who was reportedly present at the APC caucus meeting where the directive was issued, emphasized the importance of due process, encouraging all parties to allow the NBC to conduct an independent and professional assessment of the allegations.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to remain calm. The NBC has established regulatory mechanisms to handle such matters fairly and transparently,” the statement concluded.
