NGE Slams Niger Radio Shutdown as Press Gag

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has fiercely criticised the recent closure of Badeggi Radio in Niger State by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, describing the action as unconstitutional, authoritarian, and a threat to democratic values. The Guild labeled the move an “assault on press freedom” and warned that such executive overreach sets a dangerous precedent for media independence in Nigeria.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE faulted Governor Bago’s unilateral decision to seal off the station without due process. The Guild emphasized that only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal mandate to regulate and sanction broadcast media.

“This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where a free press is essential for holding those in power accountable,” the NGE stated.



Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Guild reminded public officials that freedom of expression and press freedom are protected rights under both Nigerian law and international conventions. The closure, it said, amounts to extrajudicial punishment and contravenes the rule of law.

The Electricity Act of 2023 and regulatory oversight reforms in recent times have empowered states to assume certain responsibilities, but media regulation remains squarely within the federal purview through the NBC, which is tasked with handling any alleged breach of broadcast codes following proper investigation.

“The governor’s action is reminiscent of the dark military era when media houses were arbitrarily shut down. Nigeria has moved past that phase, and democratic standards must be upheld,” the statement continued.


Governor Bago claimed that Badeggi Radio incited violence, which led to the shutdown. However, the NGE emphasized that such a serious allegation requires a thorough and transparent investigation before any punitive measures can be justified.

“While the media must operate responsibly and within the ethical bounds of journalism, accusations like incitement of violence should be investigated and proven, not used as a tool for political suppression,” the editors said.



The Guild lauded the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for publicly correcting the governor’s misstep, but insisted that corrective action must follow.

“We urge the Federal Government to intervene immediately and order the unsealing of Badeggi Radio. Any necessary inquiry into its operations should be done in accordance with the law and by the appropriate regulatory body,” the statement added.



This incident adds to a growing list of state-level overreaches concerning media freedom, prompting fears of a regression in democratic governance. In recent years, several states have attempted to clamp down on local broadcasters or restrict journalist access, often under the guise of security or political stability.

Civil society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have also expressed concern about the increasing hostility toward press freedom in Nigeria. SERAP noted in a recent report that arbitrary media shutdowns contribute to declining transparency and weak civic engagement, especially in politically sensitive regions.


The NGE reiterated its call for all tiers of government to respect the rights of the press and journalists, stressing that a free and independent media is a cornerstone of democracy. It also called on journalists to remain committed to professional ethics, even as they face mounting challenges.

“Democracy thrives when the press is free. Silencing media platforms without legal backing is a threat not only to journalism but to every Nigerian’s right to know the truth,” the Guild concluded.