Data Security: FCTA Abuja restates ban on use of smartphones, other devices during working hours begins December 1

*The Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja, prohibits the use of smartphones, and other smart devices by all staff on Grade Level 14 and below during working hours within office premises, effective from December 1, 2025

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a new directive, prohibiting the use of smartphones, smartwatches, and other smart devices by all staff on Grade Level 14 and below within office premises during working hours, effective from Monday, December 1, 2025.

ConsumerConnect reports the latest directive, contained in a circular with reference number FCT/DLA/259/III and dated November 28, 2025, was addressed to all Heads of Division, Sections, Units, and staff of the FCTA’s Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

Barr. Nyesom Wike, Honourable Minister for the FCT

Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), signed the circular on behalf of the Acting Director of Administration, announcing full enforcement of the ban beginning from December 1.

The FCTA’s restriction specifically covers smartphones, smart watches, and all other Internet-enabled gadgets, which staff will no longer be allowed to use or possess within office premises during working hours.

The circular also stated: “To implement the directive, the 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 official communication noted the earlier staff general meeting of November 18 this year, when where the Department of Land Administration and AGIS personnel supposedly agreed that only basic ‘torchlight’ phones without Internet capability would be permitted for essential communication during office hours.

The Management staff also have been directed to enforce the policy among their subordinates and ensure strict compliance, noted the memo.

It further stated: “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 Smartphones, Smartwatches, 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.”

The FCTA as well said: “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.”

It is recalled that Barr. Nyesom Wike, Honourable Minister for the FCT, early November 2025, had directed a sweeping ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, according to report.

Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Head of AGIS, in the said controversial directive, contained in an internal memo to all Officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below.

The earlier directive has forbidden the affected from entering the office premises with their Internet-enabled mobile phones and other smart devices, beginning from Wednesday, November 12.

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