Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a new directive banning the use of mobile phones among certain categories of staff at the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, a decision that has quickly stirred controversy and public discussion.
According to internal memos circulated within the agencies, staff on Salary Grade Level 14 and below are no longer permitted to enter the office premises with mobile phones, tablets, or other smart devices. The directive applies to all work hours and aims to “enhance professionalism, protect sensitive data, and improve productivity,” according to officials familiar with the order.
A follow-up memo reportedly clarified that only basic “torch-light” phones will be allowed from December 1, effectively banning Android and iOS smartphones entirely within those offices.
Directive Linked to Viral Confrontation?
The timing of the phone restriction has fueled speculation. The memo surfaced just hours after a widely circulated video showed the FCT Minister in a heated exchange with a Naval officer at an Abuja location.
Some Nigerians online have questioned whether the ban is a reaction to staff recording workplace incidents, though authorities have not linked the decision to the viral video.
Criticism from Civil Groups The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the policy, describing it as “authoritarian and undemocratic.”
The party argued that such a ban could shield public officials from accountability and limit workers’ ability to report misconduct or corruption.
Not a Nationwide or General Ban
Despite online rumours, the policy is not a national ban on mobile phones nor a ban on using phones to access news.
The restriction applies only to AGIS and Land Administration staff within the FCT.
Broader Context
The phone restriction comes at a time when several government bodies and schools across Nigeria are tightening digital device rules during exams or in sensitive work environments. However, none of these policies extend to the general public.
