After Closing VOA, Trump Places Over 1000 Workers on Leave, Nigerians React

• The popular Voice of America (VOA) Hausa service ceased transmission following a directive from US President Donald Trump to dismantle the US Agency for Global Media
• Loyal listeners expressed disappointment but acknowledged that local media outlets like Premium Times Hausa and Freedom Radio have stepped in to fill the void
• The shutdown also halted updates on VOA Hausa’s digital platforms, marking a significant shift in the region’s media landscape

The popular Voice of America (VOA) Hausa radio service, widely listened to in northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries, stopped transmitting after an executive order by US President Donald Trump.

The order, issued on March 15, dismantled the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA, placing its 1,300 journalists and staff on administrative leave.

The sudden shutdown left many loyal listeners accustomed to VOA Hausa’s daily broadcasts from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. seeking alternative news sources.

Impact on northern Nigerian audience

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According to Premium Times, listeners expressed mixed reactions to the cessation of VOA Hausa’s broadcasts. Hussaini Lawal, a frequent listener, shared his disappointment but noted he has since turned to other stations for news updates.

Zainab Mohammed, a retired teacher, viewed the development as an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its local radio landscape, though she expressed concern for the displaced VOA staff. Musa Ayuba, a long-time listener, acknowledged the quality of VOA’s programming but believed Nigerian stations could now compete effectively.

VOA digital presence and staff reactions

VOA Hausa’s digital platforms, including its website and online podcasts, also ceased updates, with the last posts dated March 15.

Journalists at VOA Hausa expressed their frustration, recalling challenges faced during Nigeria’s military era when they were perceived as CIA agents.

Despite the shutdown, local media outlets such as Premium Times Hausa, Freedom Radio, and Legit.ng Hausa, have stepped in to fill the void, offering reliable Hausa-language news.

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About VOA Hausa

VOA Hausa is the Hausa-language service of Voice of America, a US government-funded international broadcaster.

It served as a reliable source of news and commentary for millions of Hausa-speaking listeners across northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Operating through radio and digital platforms, VOA Hausa provided in-depth coverage of local, regional, and global events, gaining popularity for its balanced reporting and ability to engage prominent figures in its interviews.

US cancels visas for South Sudan

Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States revoked all visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders, citing the African nation’s refusal to accept its repatriated citizens.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on April 5, adding that South Sudanese citizens would also be barred from entering the US at ports of entry.

According to BBC, Rubio criticised South Sudan’s transitional government for failing to cooperate with repatriation efforts, stating: “Every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country, including the United States, seeks to remove them.”

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng