The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has condemned the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over what it describes as an unlawful clampdown on the media following his recent order to shut down Badeggi FM, a privately-owned radio station in Minna.
In a statement released on August 2, CJID lead, Busola Ajibola criticized the governor’s directive—which includes the revocation of the station’s licence, the marking of its premises for demolition, and instructions for the profiling of its owner by security agencies—as a blatant abuse of power and an assault on constitutional freedoms.
“The governor has no legal authority to revoke a broadcast licence,” the organisation said, insisting that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), a federal regulatory body, is empowered to make such decisions.
CJID also raised alarm over what it termed a disturbing pattern of intimidation of journalists and media outlets in the state. It cited previous cases including the assault of a Voice of America (VOA) reporter in November 2023, the prolonged detention of a People’s Daily correspondent earlier this year, and a generally hostile environment for journalists.
According to CJID’s 2024 Subnational Press Freedom Index, Niger State ranks among the 11 worst states in Nigeria for media openness and journalist safety—a statistic it says is worsened by the recent actions of the governor.
Calling the move unconstitutional and undemocratic, CJID urged the state government to immediately reverse the shutdown of Badeggi FM and allow media organisations to operate without fear or political interference. It also called on law enforcement agencies, including the Police and DSS, to resist unlawful political directives and uphold the rule of law.
“This is not just about one station—it is about the future of press freedom in Nigeria,” CJID warned, adding that continued harassment of the media would only further erode public trust and accountability in governance.
As outrage grows across media circles, civil society groups and press unions are also expected to step up pressure on the Niger State Government to retract the order and uphold democratic values.
