BREAKING: FCT Administration Under Minister Wike Restates Ban On Smart Phones, Says Only 'Torch Light Phones' Allowed During Work Hours

The directive, contained in a circular with reference number FCT/DLA/259/III dated 28th November 2025, was addressed to all Heads of Division, Sections, Units, and staff of the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a new directive prohibiting the use of smartphones and other smart devices by staff members on Grade Level 14 and below within office premises during working hours, SaharaReporters has learnt.

The directive, contained in a circular with reference number FCT/DLA/259/III dated 28th November 2025, was addressed to all Heads of Division, Sections, Units, and staff of the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

Signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), on behalf of the Acting Director of Administration, the circular announces full enforcement of the ban beginning Monday, December 1, 2025.

According to the document obtained by SaharaReporters, the restriction covers smartphones, smartwatches, and all internet-enabled gadgets, which staff will no longer be allowed to use or possess within office premises during working hours.

"To implement the directive, management has provided secure storage cabinets where affected officers are expected to deposit their devices upon arrival. These gadgets will only be accessible during official break periods," the circular stated.

The memo also recalls the staff general meeting of November 18, 2025, where workers reportedly agreed that only basic ‘torchlight’ phones without internet capability would be permitted for essential communication during office hours.

Management staff have been directed to enforce the policy among their subordinates and ensure strict compliance.

The statement read, "I am directed to inform all Staff of the Department of Land Administration and Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) on Grade Level 14 and below that Enforcement of No-Use of Smart Phones, Smart Watches, Smart Gadgets etc, within Office premises during working hours will commence on Monday, 1st December, 2025.

"However, there are provisions for secured cabinets where Officers could drop their smart phones and other gadgets for safe keeping and could only be accessed during their break time.

"In view of the foregoing, all affected Staff are hereby reminded of our collective resolution during the Staff general meeting held on Thursday, 18th November, 2025 that only torch light phones without any internet facilities will be allowed for the purpose of useful communication during office hours.

"Affected Officers are hereby advised to comply strictly with this directive for any violation will attract appropriate disciplinary action.

"Management Staff are enjoined to bring the content of this circular to their subordinates and ensure strict compliance," Ezike added.

SaharaReporters had in the first week of November reported that Wike ordered a sweeping ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration.

The controversial directive, contained in an internal memo sighted by SaharaReporters, targets all officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below, forbidding them from entering office premises with their mobile phones beginning Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The memo was issued by the Head of AGIS, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.