Manny Ita
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has enforced a ban on the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems and the Department of Land Administration, as part of measures to tighten administrative control and prevent unauthorised data leaks.
The directive, which was communicated through internal circulars of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, fully took effect in December 2025 and remains in force in 2026. It applies specifically to civil servants on Salary Grade Level 14 and below, while senior management staff and directors are exempt from the restriction.
Under the policy, affected workers are prohibited from bringing Android phones, iPhones, iPads, smartwatches or any internet-enabled gadgets into office premises during working hours. They are only permitted to carry basic mobile phones without internet capability, commonly referred to as “torchlight phones,” for essential communication.
The FCTA directed departmental heads to enforce strict compliance with the policy, warning that any violation would be treated as misconduct. Monitoring mechanisms were put in place, with instructions that offenders be subjected to disciplinary procedures in line with civil service rules.
Officials of the administration have publicly defended the ban as a necessary step to curb corruption, safeguard sensitive land records and prevent the unauthorised filming or circulation of documents related to land allocation. According to management, the measure is intended to promote “operational excellence” in agencies where land administration has historically been vulnerable to fraud and abuse.
However, the timing and scope of the directive have generated widespread controversy. Critics and civil rights advocates have linked the decision to a series of viral videos and leaked documents that circulated in late 2025, including footage of a public altercation between Minister Wike and a military officer over a land dispute, as well as media reports alleging questionable land allocations involving the minister’s relatives. Within this context, opponents have described the policy as a “gag order” designed to prevent staff from documenting activities within the land registry.
Since the ban came into force, security procedures at AGIS and related offices have been tightened, with enhanced screening at entry points to detect prohibited devices. Staff members have been required to adjust to working conditions largely disconnected from personal digital tools.
Some stakeholders have expressed concern that the restriction could undermine efficiency, arguing that it conflicts with the Federal Government’s “Digital Nigeria” agenda by limiting access to mobile productivity applications and modern communication tools for lower-level staff. They contend that the policy may slow down workflows and service delivery, despite the administration’s stated objective of improving operational standards.
