The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Minister Nyesom Wike has restated a sweeping ban on smartphones and other smart devices for certain civil servants, stipulating that only basic “torch-light” phones will be permitted during office hours. Sahara Reporters
📄 What the Directive Says
The restriction — detailed in a circular bearing reference number FCT/DLA/259/III, dated November 28, 2025 — applies to all staff on Grade Level 14 and below within the FCTA’s Department of Land Administration (DLA) and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS). Sahara Reporters
Under the new rule:
- Smartphones, smartwatches and other internet-enabled gadgets are banned from office premises during working hours. Sahara Reporters
- Employees on the affected grade levels must deposit such devices in secure storage cabinets upon arrival; the phones may only be retrieved during official break times. Sahara Reporters
- Only basic, non-internet “torch-light” phones will be allowed for minimal communication during work hours. Sahara Reporters
- The ban takes effect from Monday, December 1, 2025. Sahara Reporters
📌 Background & Implementation
This move reiterates an earlier directive from mid-November 2025, when Wike ordered that affected category staff should not bring mobile phones into office premises. Dockaysworld+1 The renewed circular signals a full enforcement push across DLA and AGIS offices.
The reasoning behind the ban has not been publicly clarified in detail. Some sources suggest that the policy was prompted by concerns about leaks of sensitive land-administration documents and “unauthorised sharing” of internal communications — though no official statement has been issued to confirm this. Dockaysworld+1
⚠️ What This Means for Staff
Affected employees will no longer be able to carry or use smartphones — or other smart devices — during working hours. They’ll have to rely on basic phones if they must communicate during the workday, and retrieve their gadgets only during breaks. The circular warns that violations may attract disciplinary action. Sahara Reporters
Management staff are reportedly instructed to enforce the ban strictly, and to ensure subordinates comply with the new regulation. Sahara Reporters
💡 Wider Context — What’s Behind the Move?
The ban isn’t happening in isolation. In recent months, under Wike’s watch, the FCT government has initiated other reforms — including public-works projects, infrastructural upgrades, and security-related measures. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2The Nation Newspaper+2
Some insiders argue the mobile-phone ban aims to curb internal leakages of sensitive land-management data or unauthorised disclosures, especially in agencies handling property registration, mapping, and land allocation. Others see it as a push for stricter discipline and accountability within lower-grade civil-service ranks.
