FCT Minister Wike Bans Mobile Phones for AGIS Staff Following Viral Naval Officer Confrontation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has banned the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, a move that comes in the wake of a viral video showing his confrontation with a Naval officer. An internal memo obtained by Sahara Reporters indicates that the ban applies to all officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below, preventing them from bringing mobile phones into office premises starting Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The directive, issued by AGIS head Chijioke Nwankwoeze, states, “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… affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”

Sources within AGIS said that the decision followed the rapid circulation of videos showing Wike in a heated dispute with a Naval officer at a contested property site in Abuja. One insider said the minister viewed the videos as an act of sabotage and is using the ban to express his anger.

The directive has sparked criticism from staff and civil rights advocates, who describe it as draconian and anti-labour, warning it reflects increasing intolerance for dissent. A labour activist commented, “It’s absurd that in 2025, a minister would ban phones in a public agency because of a viral video. This is not leadership—it’s paranoia in power.”

Reactions to the viral video have also come from student groups. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned Wike’s actions, describing his verbal assault on the Naval officer as disrespectful and arrogant. In a statement signed by National President Comrade Atiku Isah, NANS highlighted the professionalism and restraint of the officer and criticized the minister for attempting to encroach on land belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The students’ body called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike, emphasizing that those who have served the nation in uniform deserve respect.

As of press time, the FCT Administration had not released an official statement clarifying the phone ban or addressing the viral video incident.