The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly urged Governor Umar Bago of Niger State to immediately reverse what it described as an “unjust and illegal” decision to revoke the broadcast licence of Badeggi FM Radio.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an open letter dated August 2, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation called on the governor to restore the radio station’s licence, withdraw threats to demolish its facilities, and halt all forms of intimidation against the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, and its staff.

SERAP also demanded that Governor Bago stop using the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and security agencies to target independent media. The organisation reminded the governor of his constitutional duty to safeguard freedom of expression and press freedom.

The controversy erupted after Governor Bago reportedly ordered the closure of Badeggi FM 90.1 last Friday, directing the police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the station, revoke its licence, and mark its premises for demolition—moves allegedly linked to his dissatisfaction with the station’s content.

SERAP criticized the governor’s justification—claims of “inciting violence”—as vague, baseless, and lacking evidence. The group condemned the move as a violation of both Section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a party.

“The arbitrary revocation of Badeggi FM’s licence, threats to demolish its premises, and profiling of its owner undermine democratic freedoms and are incompatible with Nigeria’s legal obligations,” the letter stated.

The organisation warned that such actions could have a chilling effect on press freedom, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections, and demanded immediate corrective measures within 48 hours or face legal action.

“These actions violate the rights of journalists and the public to access information. Even if the station’s content is critical, it is still protected speech under national and international law,” SERAP emphasized.

The letter added that any restrictions on media freedom must be lawful, necessary, and aimed at protecting a clearly defined public interest—criteria the governor’s actions fail to meet.

SERAP also cited growing concerns about a pattern of repression and censorship by the Niger State government, stating that freedom of the press is not a privilege but a democratic necessity.