‘Only NBC can suspend broadcast licences’ — Mohammed Idris speaks on radio station closure in Niger

Mohammed Idris, minister of information, has reacted to the closure of Badeggi FM radio station in Niger state.

On Friday, Umar Bago, the governor of Niger state, ordered the commissioner of police to seal off Badeggi FM radio station over alleged incitement of violence.

A statement by Bologi Ibrahim, the chief press secretary to the Niger governor, said the “daily activities of the radio station have been unethical”.

“Governor Bago also accused the owner of the station of incitement of the people against the government and directed that the license of the radio station be revoked,” the statement reads in part.

Reacting in a statement on Saturday, Rabiu Ibrahim, special assistant (media) to Idris, said the ministry has noted concerns raised by stakeholders in the media industry over the governor’s directive.

Idris said the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal authority to suspend or revoke broadcast licences.

“While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law,” he said.

“In light of this, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for 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.”

According to the information posted on its website, Badeggi Radio 90.1 FM, Minna, is a private radio station established in 2020 by Shuaibu Badeggi.