FCTA Bans Smartphones for GL14 and Below Staff, Approves Only Torchlight Phones

“The FCTA has issued a directive banning staff on Grade Level 14 and below from using smartphones and internet-enabled devices within office premises during working hours. The enforcement, affecting AGIS and the Department of Land Administration, takes effect on December 1, 2025.”

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a new directive prohibiting staff on Grade Level 14 and below from using or possessing smartphones and other internet-enabled devices within office premises during official working hours.

The directive, SaharaReporters learnt, was communicated through a circular referenced FCT/DLA/259/III and dated 28 November 2025. The memo was addressed to all Heads of Division, Sections, Units, and staff of the Department of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

Signed by Amaka Ezike, Assistant Director (Administration), on behalf of the Acting Director of Administration, the circular announced that full enforcement of the policy will commence on Monday, 1 December 2025.

According to the document, the restriction covers smartphones, smartwatches, and all internet-enabled gadgets, which staff will no longer be permitted to use or possess within office premises during working hours.

The circular read: “To implement the directive, 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 memo also referenced a staff general meeting held on 18 November 2025, during which workers reportedly agreed that only basic “torchlight phones” without internet capability would be allowed for essential communication during office hours.

In its enforcement guidelines, the circular stated:
“All affected staff are hereby reminded of our collective resolution during the staff general meeting that only torchlight phones without internet facilities will be allowed for official communication during office hours. Any violation will attract appropriate disciplinary action.”

Management staff have been instructed to ensure compliance among their subordinates.

Ezike added:
“Management staff are enjoined to bring the content of this circular to their subordinates and ensure strict compliance.”

This new enforcement follows an earlier report by SaharaReporters in the first week of November, revealing that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had ordered a sweeping ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of AGIS and the Department of Land Administration. That earlier directive, issued by the Head of AGIS, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, barred officers on Grade Level 14 and below from entering office premises with their mobile phones beginning Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

The policy has drawn public attention due to its strict limitations and the impact it may have on staff communication and workflow.