The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the Niger State Government for allegedly threatening to close Badeggi FM 90.1 and demolish its facility.
The Minna-based private radio station has reportedly come under scrutiny from the administration of Governor Umaru Bago, with concerns raised over plans to revoke its operations.
READ ALSO: Shutdown of Badeggi radio station an assault on press freedom – NGE
In a statement released by the NUJ National President, Alhassan Abdullahi, the union decried the government’s alleged intentions, describing them as “a blatant act of intimidation and an assault on press freedom”.
“The threats issued against Badeggi FM 90.1 by the Niger State Government are deeply troubling and represent a dangerous overreach of executive power.
“Such actions undermine democracy and send a chilling message to independent media organisations,” Abdullahi said.
The union emphasized that under Nigerian law, only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal mandate to regulate the broadcasting industry.
“No state government has the constitutional right to interfere with the operations or facilities of any media house.
“It is the responsibility of the NBC to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing by broadcast stations and to take appropriate actions through due process,” the president said.
Abdullahi reiterated that a free press is foundational to democracy and must not be curtailed through threats or politically motivated directives.
“Independent journalism must never be stifled through threats, intimidation, or politically motivated directives.
“We are calling on Governor Bago to withdraw the threat of closure and demolition immediately and allow the proper legal channels to address any issues,” Abdullahi stressed.
The NUJ further called on the Nigerian public, civil society groups, and professional bodies to oppose any form of executive interference aimed at silencing the media.
“We will not stand by and watch as journalists and media institutions are harassed for doing their job,” Abdullahi added.
 has strongly condemned the Niger State Government for allegedly threatening to close Badeggi FM 90.1 and demolish its facility.){kind=link}