SERAP Gives Niger Governor 48 Hours to Reopen Badeggi FM

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, demanding the immediate reopening of Badeggi FM 90.1 in Minna.

In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP condemned the shutdown of the independent radio station as “arbitrary and unlawful.” The group called on the governor to restore the station’s licence, stop threats to demolish its building, and cease the alleged profiling of its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.

SERAP described the government’s claim that the station was “inciting violence” as vague, unfounded, and a possible attempt to silence dissenting voices.

Governor Bago had reportedly directed the state Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the station, revoke its licence, and begin plans to demolish its premises. He also allegedly ordered an investigation into the owner’s activities over accusations that the station aired unethical content critical of the government.

SERAP warned that such actions pose a threat to press freedom, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The clampdown on Badeggi FM undermines public access to information and weakens the press’s role in democratic discourse,” SERAP stated. The group emphasized that the move violates the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties like Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

It urged Governor Bago to respect the rule of law and uphold media freedom by reversing the shutdown without delay.