Wike Bans Mobile Phones For AGIS And Land Staff After Viral Navy Confrontation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has enacted a ban on mobile phone usage for staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, prompting criticism from civil servants and labor advocates.

According to Ireporter Online, an internal memo seen by journalists outlines that officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below are prohibited from bringing mobile phones into office premises, effective Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The directive, issued by the Head of AGIS, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, is framed as a measure to “maintain discipline and safeguard information security” within the agency.

The memo 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.” The restriction applies to employees across the AGIS and Department of Land Administration operating within the Federal Capital Territory Administration complex.

Sources within AGIS told Ireporter Online that the order followed videos circulating on social media showing a heated confrontation between Wike and a naval officer over a disputed property in Abuja. According to one senior staff member, the minister was reportedly angered by the widespread circulation of the footage among government employees.

“The minister was furious that the videos were shared among staff. He saw it as an act of sabotage. This phone ban is his way of showing anger,” the source said.

The altercation, which occurred in Abuja’s Gaduwa District, attracted national attention after Wike accused a naval officer of illegally guarding a construction site allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

Some civil servants have described the ban as impractical, arguing that mobile phones are essential for official communication. “Most of us use our phones for official communication. How do we work effectively without them?” one employee asked anonymously.

As of press time, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not issued a public response or clarification regarding the policy.