The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has clarified that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) possesses the constitutional authority to suspend radio station licenses, following controversy over Niger State Governor’s directive to shut down Badeggi FM Radio.
The clarification came through a statement issued Saturday by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, addressing growing concerns from media industry stakeholders about the shutdown order issued by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
Governor Bago had ordered the immediate closure of the Minna-based radio station during an expanded Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting at the Government House on August 1.
The governor directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD), to seal the media outlet and confiscate its broadcasting license, citing allegations of unethical broadcasting and incitement against his administration.
However, Minister Idris has now intervened to clarify the legal framework governing broadcast regulation in Nigeria. The Ministry of Information statement noted that while it acknowledges the concerns raised by the Niger State Government, “the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law.”
The Minister, who was reportedly present at the APC Caucus meeting where the shutdown directive was issued, has called for calm among media stakeholders while emphasizing the proper regulatory channels. The Ministry welcomed the Niger State Government’s decision to formally report Badeggi FM’s perceived “unethical behavior” to the NBC for investigation and resolution.
“The Minister appeals to all parties to remain calm, assuring that the NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue in a fair and impartial manner,” the statement concluded.
This development underscores the importance of following established regulatory procedures in addressing broadcasting complaints and highlights the ongoing tension between state authorities and media outlets. The intervention by the federal Minister of Information effectively reinforces the NBC’s exclusive jurisdiction over broadcast licensing matters, potentially defusing the immediate crisis while ensuring due process is followed.
The case now rests with the NBC, which will be responsible for investigating the allegations against Badeggi FM and determining whether any violations of broadcasting codes have occurred.
