FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has banned staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration on Grade Level 14 and below from using or bringing mobile phones into their offices starting Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
An internal memo signed by AGIS Head, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, stated that affected officers “are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”
Sources said the order followed Wike’s anger over a viral video allegedly shared by staff, which he viewed as an act of sabotage.
The directive has triggered widespread criticism, with labour activists describing it as “draconian” and “anti-worker.” One activist said, “It’s absurd that in 2025, a minister would ban phones in a public agency because of a viral video. This is paranoia in power.”
Meanwhile, Wike on Tuesday clashed with military personnel over a disputed plot of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa district. Accusing the officers of illegal occupation, he said, “You cannot be higher than the government or use guns to intimidate anyone. This country cannot continue in impunity.”
The FCT Administration has yet to comment officially on the phone ban.
