Trump : VOA goes off air in Nigeria, Ghana, others

The Hausa-language service of Voice of America (VOA) has gone off air in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Niger after funding was withdrawn as part of US budget cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Listeners in northern Nigeria first noticed the absence of regular programming last month when music replaced scheduled broadcasts, prompting confusion and concern.

“Was there a coup in the US?” recalled Babangida Jibrin, a VOA journalist, referencing the reactions of worried listeners who inundated the station with calls after the sudden shutdown.

The discontinued service had a significant presence in West Africa, particularly in rural areas where internet access is limited and print media is scarce. VOA’s Hausa-language programming reached tens of millions of people and was considered a vital source of reliable news and public health information.

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

VOA was originally created during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda and expanded during the Cold War. In Nigeria, the outlet had long been viewed as an independent and credible alternative in a media landscape sometimes criticized for closeness to government and business interests.

Although Hausa-language media continues to operate across West Africa, the VOA shutdown has been described as a major loss. The service had built an extensive network of local reporters and was known for its syndication with local stations, allowing access to remote areas.

“It’s really, really a shame,” said Sadibou Marong, West Africa chief for Reporters Without Borders, noting that VOA provided coverage in conflict zones where journalists often faced pressure from armed groups and government forces.

The service also featured health programming on issues like HIV and malaria, and aired shows on religion, politics, and social issues. Its journalism often prompted official responses, such as investigations into toxic mining practices in Zamfara State.

Nigerian listener Muhammad Mukhtar said the loss of VOA’s in-depth coverage was significant, despite the presence of local stations. “I still have not come to terms with this shocking reality,” he said.