Niger govt denies shutting down Badeggi 90.1 FM

Niger State Government has dismissed a report by the International Press Institute (IPI) alleging that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago ordered the shutdown of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Station, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, the government clarified that the station was never shut down at any time.

According to the statement, although Governor Bago had expressed strong concerns over some programmes aired by the station—warning that they were capable of inciting tension amid the state’s ongoing security challenges—the station continued to operate without interruption.

The government said the governor’s caution was based on the need to ensure that broadcast content does not jeopardise public peace and safety.

“The claim that Badeggi Radio was ever closed by the Governor is incorrect. It was mentioned but never enforced,” the statement read.

The government urged the public to disregard what it called “misinformation,” emphasising that Governor Bago has always maintained a cordial and transparent relationship with the media.

It added that the governor had built a reputation as a media-friendly leader during his three terms in the House of Representatives, where he consistently engaged openly with journalists and the National Assembly Press Corps—an approach he has sustained as governor.