BREAKING: FCT Administration Underneath Minister Wike Restates Ban On Smart Phones, Says Solely ‘Torch Gentle Phones’ Allowed Throughout Work Hours

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a brand new directive prohibiting the usage of smartphones and different good units by workers members on Grade Level 14 and beneath inside workplace premises throughout working hours, SaharaReporters has learnt.

The directive, contained in a round with reference quantity FCT/DLA/259/III dated twenty eighth November 2025, was addressed to all Heads of Division, Sections, Units, and workers 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 round proclaims full enforcement of the ban starting Monday, December 1, 2025.

According to the doc obtained by SaharaReporters, the restriction covers smartphones, smartwatches, and all internet-enabled devices, which workers will now not be allowed to make use of or possess inside workplace premises throughout 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 round acknowledged.

The memo additionally remembers the workers common assembly of November 18, 2025, the place employees reportedly agreed that solely fundamental ‘torchlight’ telephones with out web functionality can be permitted for important communication throughout workplace hours.

Management workers have been directed to implement the coverage amongst their subordinates and guarantee strict compliance.

The assertion learn, “I’m directed to tell all Staff of the Department of Land Administration and Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) on Grade Level 14 and beneath that Enforcement of No-Use of Smart Phones, Smart Watches, Smart Gadgets and many others, inside Office premises throughout working hours will start on Monday, 1st December, 2025.

“However, there are provisions for secured cupboards the place Officers might drop their good telephones and different devices for protected retaining and will solely be accessed throughout their break time.

“In view of the foregoing, all affected Staff are hereby reminded of our collective decision in the course of the Staff common assembly held on Thursday, 18th November, 2025 that solely torch mild telephones with none web services shall be allowed for the aim of helpful communication throughout workplace hours.

“Affected Officers are hereby suggested to conform strictly with this directive for any violation will appeal to applicable disciplinary motion.

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

SaharaReporters had within the first week of November reported that Wike ordered a sweeping ban on the usage of cellphones by workers of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration. 

The controversial directive, contained in an inner memo sighted by SaharaReporters, targets all officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and beneath, forbidding them from getting into workplace premises with their cellphones starting Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

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