Wike’s FCT Administration bans employees from using smartphones during working hours

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Minister Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed its ban on smartphones for certain staff during working hours. The new rule, which mandates only the use of basic “torch-light phones,” will come into effect by Monday, 1 December 2025. 

In a circular signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), with reference number FCT/DLA/259/III, dated 28 November 2025, the new rule targets workers on Grade Level 14 and below in the Department of Land Administration (DLA) and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS). It warned them against using smartphones, smartwatches, smart gadgets or any other smart device during working hours. 

According to the directive, the development followed an in-house resolution in mid-November, in which employees and management agreed to prohibit the use of smart devices. In exchange for this, phones without internet-enabled features, mostly referred to as touch-light phones, were allowed for communication purposes. 

“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,” it stated. 

In addition, staff affected by the new policy are expected to deposit their smart devices at designated secure storage cabinets for “safe-keeping” upon arrival. However, the devices can only be accessed during official break periods. 

The directive warned that any employee who violates the rule by using a smart device during working hours will face disciplinary action. Supervisors and departmental heads have been instructed to ensure full compliance and disseminate the information across their subordinates. 

“Affected Officers are hereby advised to comply strictly with this directive for any violation will attract appropriate disciplinary action,” part of the circular reads. 

Also Read: Ibom Air: NCAA directs mobile phones to be switched off during take-off and landing.

Smartphone ban: what you should know 

As the smartphone ban is set to take effect by Monday, 1 December 2025, the circular and administration didn’t provide an official public explanation for the policy.

Meanwhile, critics have pointed out that the policy is aimed at tightening security and preventing data leaks within critical departments. They suggest it’s targeted at strengthening administrative control and curbing “unauthorised activities” believed to be facilitated through smartphones.

The new directive comes in light of a recent outburst between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Lt. AM Yerima. The young Nigerian soldier was part of a unit that prevented the FCT Minister from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.

In the video, which went viral and was viewed by millions of Nigerians, the minister is seen becoming increasingly agitated as Lt Yerima, citing orders from his superiors, refuses him entry. Social media users and Nigerians hailed the soldier’s action, describing him as “courageous” and “brave”.