The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reaffirmed its ban on the use of smartphones and other smart devices by staff members on Grade Level 14 and below during working hours.
The directive, issued under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, was contained in a circular with reference number FCT/DLA/259/III dated 28th November 2025 and addressed to all Heads of Division, Sections, Units, and staff of the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System.
Signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), on behalf of the Acting Director of Administration, the notice confirms that full enforcement of the policy will begin on Monday, December 1, 2025. The restriction covers smartphones, smartwatches, and all internet-enabled gadgets, which staff will no longer be allowed to use or possess within office premises during working hours.
The circular stated, “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.”
It also recalled the general staff meeting of November 18, 2025, where workers agreed that only basic torchlight phones without internet capability would be allowed for essential communication.
The statement read, “I am directed to inform all Staff of the Department of Land Administration and Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) on Grade Level 14 and below that Enforcement of No-Use of Smart Phones, Smart Watches, Smart Gadgets etc, within Office premises during working hours will commence on Monday, 1st December, 2025. However, there are provisions for secured cabinets where Officers could drop their smart phones and other gadgets for safe keeping and could only be accessed during their break time.
In view of the foregoing, all affected Staff are hereby reminded of our collective resolution during the Staff general meeting held on Thursday, 18th November, 2025 that only torch light phones without any internet facilities will be allowed for the purpose of useful communication during office hours.
Affected Officers are hereby advised to comply strictly with this directive for any violation will attract appropriate disciplinary action. Management Staff are enjoined to bring the content of this circular to their subordinates and ensure strict compliance.”
Earlier in November, the Administration had issued a similar directive prohibiting officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below from entering their offices with mobile phones, following an internal memo issued by the Head of AGIS, Chijioke Nwankwoeze. The renewed enforcement marks a continuation of the policy under Minister Wike’s efforts to strengthen administrative discipline within key departments.
