VOA goes off air in Nigeria, Cameroon, others

The Hausa-language service of Voice of America (VOA) has stopped broadcasting in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Niger, following the withdrawal of funding linked to budget cuts under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

Many listeners in northern Nigeria first noticed the disruption when scheduled programs were suddenly replaced by music. This sudden change caused confusion and concern among loyal followers of the station.

“Was there a coup in the US?” recalled VOA journalist Babangida Jibrin, describing how panicked listeners flooded the station with calls to understand what had happened.

VOA’s Hausa service had built a strong reputation across West Africa, especially in rural communities where internet access is limited and newspapers are not easily available.

The station served as a key source of trustworthy news and public health updates for tens of millions of people.

“People are now cut off from news, especially international news,” said Moussa Jaharou from southern Niger, one of the many who relied heavily on the broadcasts.

VOA was originally launched during World War II to combat Nazi propaganda and later expanded its role during the Cold War. In Nigeria, it stood out for its objectivity, often regarded as a reliable alternative to local media, which are sometimes seen as being too close to political or business interests.

Even though Hausa-language media is still available in the region, the end of VOA’s Hausa service is widely seen as a major setback. The outlet maintained a strong network of local reporters and had partnerships with local radio stations that helped spread its content to remote areas.

“It’s really, really a shame,” said Sadibou Marong, West Africa director of Reporters Without Borders. He emphasized that VOA had been one of the few media voices in conflict zones, providing coverage even in dangerous regions where other journalists often faced threats from both armed groups and government forces.

The Hausa service also aired important health programs on topics like HIV and malaria, alongside religious, political, and social discussions. Its investigative reports often spurred official action, including inquiries into toxic mining practices in Zamfara State.

Nigerian listener Muhammad Mukhtar summed up the disappointment felt by many, saying, “I still have not come to terms with this shocking reality,” as he reflected on the loss of VOA’s thorough and trusted coverage.