Following the reported closure of Badeggi Radio, by Niger State Governor, Muhammadu Bago and his call for the revocation of its broadcast license, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has clarified that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal authority to suspend or revoke broadcast licenses in Nigeria.
This clarification follows the recent shutdown of Badeggi Radio, a private station in Niger State, allegedly on the orders of the state government.
In a statement on Friday, Minister Idris emphasized that the federal government remains committed to upholding press freedom and the independence of the media, and that the NBC is the sole body empowered by law to regulate and sanction broadcasters.
He said, “The National Broadcasting Commission is the regulatory body empowered by law to grant, suspend, or revoke broadcast licenses. No other body or level of government has such authority.”
The minister urged all parties involved in the Badeggi Radio matter to follow due process and allow the NBC to investigate and resolve the issue in accordance with the law.
He also called on state governments and other stakeholders to respect the rule of law and the constitutional guarantee of free speech and a free press, which he said are fundamental to democracy.
The minister’s statement comes amid growing concerns from media professionals and rights groups who have condemned the closure of the station, describing it as an infringement on press freedom.
