New Policy Targets Staff on Grade Level 14 and Below
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, has reiterated its prohibition on the use of smartphones by certain staff members during official working hours. This new regulation, which mandates the use of only basic “torch-light phones,” is scheduled to commence on Monday, 1 December 2025.
The directive, detailed in a circular signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), with the reference number FCT/DLA/259/III and dated 28 November 2025, specifically applies to employees on Grade Level 14 and below within the Department of Land Administration (DLA) and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS). The circular explicitly warns these staff members against the use of smartphones, smartwatches, smart gadgets, or any other internet-enabled smart devices while on duty.
This policy stems from an in-house resolution made in mid-November, where both employees and management reached an agreement to disallow the use of smart devices. In place of these devices, phones without internet capabilities, commonly known as touch-light phones, will be permitted for essential 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.”
Implementation and Compliance Measures
Under the new policy, affected staff members are required to deposit their smart devices at designated secure storage cabinets for safekeeping upon their arrival at work. Access to these personal devices will only be permitted during official break periods.
The directive emphasizes that any employee found violating this rule by using a smart device during working hours will be subjected to disciplinary action. Supervisors and departmental heads have been tasked with ensuring strict adherence to the policy and disseminating this information to all subordinates.
“Affected Officers are hereby advised to comply strictly with this directive for any violation will attract appropriate disciplinary action.”
Context and Potential Motivations Behind the Ban
As the smartphone ban is set to become effective on Monday, 1 December 2025, the FCTA and the administration have not yet provided an official public explanation for the implementation of this policy.
However, critics have suggested that the policy is intended to enhance security measures and prevent potential data leaks within critical departments. They further speculate that the ban aims to strengthen administrative control and curb unauthorized activities that might be facilitated through the use of smartphones.
This new directive follows a recent public altercation between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Lt. AM Yerima. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, when the soldier was part of a unit that prevented the FCT Minister from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
A video capturing the exchange went viral, garnering millions of views across Nigeria. In the footage, the minister is visibly agitated as Lt. Yerima, adhering to orders from his superiors, denies him entry. The soldier's actions were widely praised by social media users and the Nigerian public, who commended him for his courage and bravery.