“Only ‘Torch Light Phones’ Allowed” — Wike Restates Ban on Smartphones After Disgraceful Clash With Naval Officer

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has formally re-issued and expanded its controversial directive banning the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices by civil servants on Grade Level 14 and below, marking the latest phase of an ongoing clampdown on digital gadget use within critical land-related departments.

 

The latest enforcement memo, dated November 28, 2025, with reference number FCT/DLA/259/III, was addressed to all Heads of Divisions, Sections, and Units, as well as staff of the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

 

The circular, signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), on behalf of the Acting Director of Administration, reaffirmed that the full ban would take effect on Monday, December 1, 2025.

The measure comes weeks after reports surfaced on an embarrassing confrontation involving a senior FCTA official and a naval officer, an incident insiders say further motivated Minister Nyesom Wike’s insistence on tightening internal discipline across agencies under the FCTA.

 

Smartphones, Smart Watches, Tablets, and All Internet-Enabled Devices Banned

 

According to the document seen by SaharaReporters, the prohibition covers a wide range of gadgets, including smartphones, smart watches, tablets, and any device capable of connecting to the internet. Staff affected by the directive will neither be allowed to use nor possess such devices within office premises during official working hours.

 

To facilitate compliance, the management has provided what it describes as “secure storage cabinets” at entry points. The memo states that staff must drop their gadgets upon arrival and may access them only during designated break periods.

 

Quoting directly from the directive, the memo reads:

 

“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.”

 

 

 

It further clarifies that officers have been provided with storage facilities for keeping their devices “safe and accessible only during break time.”

 

Only Torchlight Phones Permitted

 

The circular reminded staff of a general meeting held on November 18, 2025, during which workers reportedly agreed—with varying degrees of enthusiasm—that only basic ‘torchlight’ phones, which have no internet capabilities, would be allowed within the office for essential communication.

 

Torchlight phones, once ubiquitous before the rise of smartphones, offer only basic calling and text messaging features. According to management, their approval is meant to strike a balance between maintaining communication access and eliminating digital distractions, unofficial photography, data leaks, and alleged unprofessional conduct.

 

The memo warns staff that any violation of the policy will attract strict disciplinary action, though no specific sanctions were outlined.

 

Management Staff Ordered to Enforce the Directive

 

The directive places direct responsibility for enforcement on senior officers within each unit. Management staff were instructed to “bring the content of this circular to their subordinates and ensure strict compliance.”

 

A senior official at AGIS, who spoke anonymously, told SaharaReporters that supervisors would take on new quasi-security roles, monitoring compliance daily.

 

“This time, they want a zero-tolerance approach. We have been told to ensure people drop their phones before they settle at their desks. There will be checks,” he said.

 

 

 

Background: Wike’s Earlier Ban and the Controversial Naval Officer Clash

 

This latest directive follows an earlier sweeping ban issued in early November, when Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly ordered that all staff of AGIS and the Department of Land Administration on Grade Level 14 and below be barred from entering their offices with mobile phones.

 

That initial directive, issued through a memo signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Head of AGIS, generated significant controversy among civil servants and rights advocates, with many describing it as “draconian,” “counterproductive,” and “a return to analog bureaucracy.”

 

Some insiders suggest the tough restrictions are partially connected to a widely reported confrontation involving a senior FCTA official and a naval officer in Abuja earlier in the month. Footage of the incident reportedly circulated internally, embarrassing the administration and fueling internal debates about disciplining staff conduct and limiting the spread of unauthorised recordings.

 

Although the FCTA has not publicly tied the smartphone ban to the incident, some senior staff interpret the directive as a direct response to what one source described as “increasingly embarrassing behaviour by certain officers during work hours.”

 

Workers Express Frustration and Confusion

 

Reactions among staff remain mixed. Some workers say the policy is long overdue, arguing that smartphone use during work hours has contributed to declining productivity. Others criticise the directive as punitive and unrealistic, especially for officers who rely on digital tools for personal safety, family emergencies, or work-related information.

 

A staff member who requested anonymity expressed concern:

 

“What if there is an emergency? Many of us have children, elderly parents, or urgent matters that require quick access. Restricting phones entirely feels harsh.”

 

 

Another AGIS officer said the policy could affect morale and create unnecessary tension:

 

“Instead of building trust and professionalism, this approach treats us like schoolchildren. There should be better ways to enforce discipline.”

 

 

Experts Warn of Possible Administrative Backlash

 

Public administration experts warn that such a ban could have both operational and legal complications. Some analysts argue that restricting the possession—not just the use—of personal devices may raise privacy issues and could be challenged if employees perceive it as an infringement on their rights.

 

Digital governance researcher, Dr. Musa Danjuma, noted:

 

“While reducing workplace distractions is legitimate, blanket bans in modern administrative environments often lead to inefficiencies. Many government services today require quick access to digital platforms. A completely analog workspace may not match the needs of a 21st-century public institution.”

 

 

 

A Directive Likely to Spark Further Debate

 

As the December 1 enforcement date approaches, tension continues to simmer within the FCTA workforce. Observers say the controversy may deepen unless clearer explanations are provided on the rationale, scope, and long-term goals of the ban.

 

Whether this strict policy will improve discipline and productivity—or create new administrative challenges—remains to be seen. For now, however, staff in the affected departments must brace for an office environment where only torchlight phones are welcome, and every ring, buzz, or notification from a smart device could invite disciplinary consequences.