By Oso Abidemi
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has reaffirmed its prohibition on the use of smartphones and other smart devices by staff of the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), with full enforcement set to begin on Monday, December 1, 2025.
The directive, contained in a circular dated November 28, 2025, and referenced FCT/DLA/259/III, was issued to all Heads of Divisions, Sections, Units, and staff.
Signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), on behalf of the Acting Director of Administration, the circular targets officers on Grade Level 14 and below.
According to the memo, staff will no longer be allowed to use or possess smartphones, smartwatches, or any internet-enabled gadgets within office premises during working hours.
Only basic “torchlight phones” without internet capability will be permitted for essential communication.
“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 circular stated.
The memo also reminded staff of the general meeting held on November 18, 2025, during which workers collectively agreed to the restriction.
The circular warned that any violation of the directive would attract disciplinary action, urging management staff to ensure strict enforcement among their subordinates.
This move follows an earlier report in the first week of November, when Minister Nyesom Wike was said to have ordered a sweeping ban on mobile phones for AGIS and Land Administration staff, sparking public debate.
An internal memo issued at the time by the Head of AGIS, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, barred staff on Grade Level 14 and below from entering office premises with their mobile phones starting November 12, 2025.
The renewed enforcement broadens and formalises that earlier directive, signalling the Administration’s firm stance on curbing distractions, unauthorised data sharing, and operational inefficiencies within sensitive FCT departments.
