The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reportedly banned the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, in a move believed to be aimed at tightening internal security and curbing information leaks.
According to an internal memo signed by the AGIS Management and circulated to staff, the directive takes effect from Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and applies specifically to officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below.
The memo, titled “Ban on Use of Mobile Phones Within the Office Premises for Officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and Below,” states that affected employees were no longer permitted to enter the office premises with their mobile phones.
“This is to inform all staff of AGIS and the Department of Land Administration that with effect from Wednesday, 12th November, 2025, 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,” the memo read in part.
“For the avoidance of doubt, affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.
“All concerned officers are hereby advised to comply strictly and be guided accordingly.”
The directive, which was signed off simply as “Management,” has generated mixed reactions within the FCTA, with some staff members describing it as “unusual” and “too restrictive.”
While the reason for the policy has not been officially disclosed, the controversial order came barely 24 hours after the minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, had a public face off with a Naval officer at a disputed land.
As of press time, neither AGIS nor the FCT Administration had issued any official clarification on the development.
(Leadership)