FCT Minister Wike Bans Mobile Phones for AGIS Staff After Viral Video With Naval Officer
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has imposed a controversial ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration.
The directive, which takes effect from Wednesday, November 12, 2025, applies to all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below, preventing them from entering office premises with their mobile phones.
The order, detailed in an internal memo issued by the Head of AGIS, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, reads in part:
“There shall be a ban on the use of mobile phones within the office premises for all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below… affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”
The Viral Video That Sparked the Ban
Sources within AGIS told SaharaReporters that the directive came barely 24 hours after a viral video showing Minister Wike’s heated altercation with a naval officer at a disputed property site in Abuja circulated across WhatsApp groups, reportedly shared by AGIS staff.
“The minister was furious that the videos circulated among staff. He saw it as an act of sabotage. This phone ban is his way of showing anger,” a source disclosed.
The viral clip, which showed Wike verbally confronting a naval officer guarding a parcel of land, triggered widespread debate about his leadership style and treatment of uniformed personnel.
Public and Civil Society Outrage
The mobile phone ban has sparked outrage among AGIS employees, labour unions, and civil rights advocates, who have denounced the move as authoritarian and anti-worker.
“It’s absurd that in 2025, a minister would ban phones in a public agency because of a viral video,” one labour activist said. “This is not leadership — it’s paranoia in power.”
Critics argue that the policy undermines staff morale, limits transparency, and violates basic labour rights. As of press time, the FCT Administration had not issued any official clarification or response to the backlash.
NANS Condemns Wike’s Conduct
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also weighed in, condemning the minister’s conduct in the viral video.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah, NANS said it was appalled by Wike’s verbal attack on a military officer performing his lawful duties.
“The officer was carrying out a lawful order by his superior and does not deserve to be insulted,” the statement read.
“However, the composure and restraint of the officer show how disciplined the military is. The officer was professional and disciplined.”
Growing Concerns Over Wike’s Leadership Style
The phone ban adds to growing concerns about Wike’s governance approach since assuming office as FCT Minister. Critics accuse him of intolerance to criticism, high-handedness, and disregard for due process in handling public institutions.
Observers say the move could further strain relations between the FCT administration and its civil workforce, especially if the directive is enforced without modification or justification.
