The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has condemned in strong terms the reported closure of Baddegi FM, a privately owned radio station in Niger State, allegedly on the orders of the State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has condemned in strong terms the reported closure of Baddegi FM, a privately owned radio station in Niger State, allegedly on the orders of the State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago.
In a press release signed by its Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, and Director of Publicity, Mr. Gregory Odutayo, IBAN described the action as “unlawful, undemocratic, and a blatant abuse of power,” insisting that it contravenes constitutional provisions on press freedom and freedom of expression.
”This action, allegedly carried out by military fiat and outside the bounds of due process, is high-handed and a flagrant violation of press freedom and the rule of law. It sets a dangerous precedent for arbitrary use of power against the media,” the association stated.
IBAN aligned itself with the condemnation earlier issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who faulted the governor’s move as unconstitutional and unacceptable in a democratic society.
As the umbrella body of private radio and television broadcasters in the country, IBAN reminded public officials that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is vested with the legal authority to sanction or shut down any broadcast station in Nigeria.
“We reaffirm that only the NBC—as empowered by law—is authorized to suspend or revoke the license of any broadcast station in Nigeria,” the statement noted.
The association called for the immediate reopening of Baddegi FM and urged the Governor to address any legitimate grievances through lawful and regulatory channels. “If there are concerns about the conduct of the station, the courts and regulatory agencies are the proper venues to address them—not executive fiat,” it added.
Describing the governor’s action as a threat to democracy, IBAN warned that it may consider mobilizing its members nationwide to boycott all activities of the Niger State Government if the closure is not reversed.
“This kind of executive overreach threatens the survival of independent media in Nigeria and sends a chilling message to broadcasters across the country,” the statement read.
IBAN also called on civil society, media stakeholders, and all Nigerians to rise in defence of constitutional governance and media independence. “The media is not an enemy of the state—it is a cornerstone of democracy. A word is enough for the wise,” it concluded.