FCT Administration Bans Smartphones for Employees During Working Hours

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Minister Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed its ban on the use of smartphones by certain categories of staff during official working hours. The restriction, which takes effect on Monday, 1 December 2025, mandates the use of only basic “torch-light phones” for communication.

The directive was contained in a circular dated 28 November 2025 and signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), with reference number FCT/DLA/259/III. The new policy targets employees on Grade Level 14 and below in the Department of Land Administration (DLA) and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

According to the circular, affected staff are prohibited from using smartphones, smartwatches, smart gadgets, or any other internet-enabled devices during working hours.

Policy Origin and Resolution

The decision followed an internal staff meeting held on 18 November 2025, where employees and management agreed to restrict smart device usage. As part of the resolution, only basic mobile phones without internet capability will be allowed for essential communication.

“All affected Staff are hereby reminded of our collective resolution during the Staff general meeting held on Thursday, 18th November 2025, that only torchlight phones without any internet facilities will be allowed for the purpose of useful communication during office hours,” the circular stated.

Mandatory Storage of Smart Devices

Under the new guidelines, staff must deposit their smart devices in designated secure storage cabinets upon arrival at the office. These devices will only be accessible during official break periods.

The circular warned that any employee found using a smart device during working hours will face disciplinary action. Supervisors and departmental heads have been instructed to enforce compliance and ensure the directive is communicated across all affected units.

“Affected Officers are hereby advised to comply strictly with this directive, for any violation will attract appropriate disciplinary action,” it added.

Public Reaction and Speculated Motives

While the administration did not offer an official explanation for the policy, critics argue that the ban aims to tighten internal security, prevent data leaks, and curb unauthorised activities within critical departments such as land administration and GIS.

Analysts suggest the move also signals a push for stronger administrative control as the Wike-led FCTA continues to streamline key land operations.

Context: The Viral Lt. Yerima Incident

The directive comes shortly after a widely discussed confrontation between Minister Nyesom Wike and Lt. A.M. Yerima, a Nigerian Army officer who prevented the minister from accessing a disputed plot of land on 11 November 2025.

A viral video from the incident showed Lt. Yerima standing his ground, insisting he was acting on orders from his superiors. The footage drew widespread praise from Nigerians on social media, who hailed the soldier as “courageous” and “brave.”

Although the FCTA has not linked the smartphone ban to the incident, analysts believe the move may be part of a broader effort to manage sensitive information and control the dissemination of internal developments.