Wike Prohibits Use of Mobile Phones by AGIS Staff Following Viral Altercation with Naval Officer

Wike Prohibits Use of Mobile Phones by AGIS Staff Following Viral Altercation with Naval Officer

In a decisive administrative move, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reportedly imposed a ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration. The decision comes shortly after a video showing the Minister in a heated confrontation with a Naval officer over a land dispute in Abuja went viral on social media.

The Directive and Its Scope

According to an internal memo circulating within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the restriction applies to staff on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below, prohibiting them from bringing or using mobile phones within the AGIS office premises. The directive, which reportedly took effect from Tuesday, November 12, 2025, was introduced to “enhance discipline and protect sensitive information” within the agency’s operations.

Sources within AGIS, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the measure was introduced in response to the viral footage of the Minister’s confrontation with a military officer. The incident, which garnered significant online attention, was said to have been recorded within the vicinity of an FCTA site, prompting Wike’s concern over staff members’ use of mobile devices to capture and circulate official activities. (Naija News)

Background of the Incident

The viral video in question featured the FCT Minister engaging in a public disagreement with a Naval officer regarding access to a disputed parcel of land in Abuja. In the clip, Wike was seen questioning the officer’s presence and authority at the site, asserting that no individual, including military personnel, should act outside official administrative procedures regarding land ownership and allocation.

The video quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking debate about civil-military relations and ministerial authority in the Federal Capital Territory. Following the incident, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), cautioned that such exchanges could pose risks to national security if not properly managed.

Internal Reactions

While the FCTA has yet to release an official statement addressing the new restriction, several employees have expressed reservations over the policy. Some staff members described the directive as “drastic,” arguing that mobile phones are integral to their daily operations, particularly in fieldwork and real-time communication with stakeholders.

Civil service observers have also criticised the decision, suggesting that a blanket prohibition could hinder productivity and transparency within the agency. Labour commentators described the policy as “an overreach,” urging the FCTA to adopt a balanced approach that safeguards official confidentiality without obstructing the use of modern communication tools.(Sahara Reporters)

Security and Administrative Justifications

Proponents of the policy, however, maintain that the measure is necessary to prevent unauthorised dissemination of official information and to maintain decorum within government offices. AGIS, which manages highly sensitive land data, has long been a target of leaks, prompting repeated warnings from the FCTA regarding the handling of classified documents and internal discussions.

Supporters of the ban argue that the use of mobile phones for unauthorised recordings or sharing of internal proceedings poses a serious threat to administrative confidentiality and institutional integrity. By enforcing this restriction, they claim, the Minister aims to restore discipline and ensure that sensitive operations are not compromised by the actions of individual staff members.

Broader Implications

The development has reignited conversations about information control, transparency, and workplace ethics in Nigeria’s public institutions. Analysts note that while protecting official data is crucial, restricting mobile phone use may conflict with the FCTA’s broader digitalisation goals, especially as agencies nationwide transition to technology-driven administrative systems.

The policy also highlights the growing tension between public accountability and government image management in an era of social media exposure. For a minister known for his firm administrative style, the decision reflects Wike’s zero-tolerance approach to internal indiscipline and unauthorised information sharing.

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The ban on mobile phone use among AGIS staff underscores the FCTA’s emphasis on information security and administrative discipline. However, it also raises important questions about transparency, digital efficiency, and employee rights within the public sector. As stakeholders continue to react, the implementation of this directive will likely determine whether it strengthens operational integrity or undermines workplace productivity within the Federal Capital Territory Administration.