VOP NG reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a sweeping ban on mobile phones for staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration.
The directive, detailed in an internal memo obtained by VOP NG, applies to all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below, prohibiting them from bringing mobile phones into office premises effective Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
The memo, issued by AGIS 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 14 and below… affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”
According to sources within AGIS, the ban was implemented shortly after videos of Wike’s heated confrontation with a Naval officer at a disputed property site in Abuja went viral on WhatsApp, reportedly shared by agency staff.
“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 a source who requested anonymity.
The policy has sparked strong backlash from workers, civil rights groups, and labour activists, many of whom have condemned it as draconian, archaic, and anti-labour. Critics argue it highlights Wike’s intolerance for dissent and a growing authoritarian streak.
“It is absurd that in 2025, a minister would ban phones in a public agency because of a viral video,” one labour activist commented. “This is not leadership—it’s paranoia in power.”
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the minister for verbally assaulting the military officer on duty, describing the incident as disrespectful and unbecoming. In a statement signed by National President Comrade Atiku Isah, the students’ body said the officer was simply executing lawful orders.
“The officer was professional and disciplined, showing composure and restraint despite being insulted. It is unacceptable for the minister to speak disrespectfully to someone serving the nation,” NANS said.
The students’ association also urged President Bola Tinubu to caution the FCT Minister, stressing that they would not remain silent while individuals who have served the nation in uniform are disrespected.
As of press time, the FCT Administration had not issued any official clarification regarding the controversial mobile phone ban.
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