BREAKING: Wike bans AGIS, Land Administration Staff from using mobile phones

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has imposed a sweeping ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, SaharaReporters can report.

According to an internal memo obtained by SaharaReporters, the directive applies to all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below, prohibiting them from bringing mobile phones into office premises starting Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The memo, issued by AGIS Management and signed by the agency’s Head, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, states:

“There shall be a ban on the use of mobile phones within the office premises for all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below… affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”

Sources within AGIS told SaharaReporters that the move followed closely on the heels of videos showing Wike in a heated confrontation with a Nigerian Navy officer at a disputed property site in Abuja. The clips, which circulated widely on WhatsApp groups reportedly frequented by AGIS staff, are said to have angered the minister.

“The minister was furious that the videos circulated among staff. He saw it as an act of sabotage. This phone ban is his way of showing anger,” said one insider, who requested anonymity.

The directive has provoked strong backlash from workers and civil rights advocates, many of whom have described the move as draconian, authoritarian, and anti-labour. Critics argue it reflects Wike’s intolerance for dissent and growing penchant for tight control over his administration.

“It’s absurd that in 2025, a minister would ban phones in a public agency because of a viral video. This is not leadership—it’s paranoia in power,” a labour activist told SaharaReporters.

As of press time, the FCT Administration had not issued any official clarification regarding the ban.

The controversy comes amid broader reactions to the viral video of Wike’s confrontation with the naval officer. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the minister’s conduct, highlighting the officer’s professionalism despite the verbal assault.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah, NANS said:

“The officer was carrying out a lawful order by his superior and does not deserve to be insulted. However, the composure and restraint of the officer show how disciplined the military is. The officer was professional and disciplined.”