Wike’s Phone Ban at AGIS Sparks Outrage After Viral Altercation: FCT Minister Faces Backlash Over New Restriction
By Dayo Adesulu
Civil servants and rights advocates condemn Nyesom Wike’s directive banning AGIS staff from using mobile phones after a video of his clash with a naval officer circulated online.
FCT Minister Orders Phone Ban After Viral Video
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has imposed a strict ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration following the circulation of a viral video showing his heated exchange with a naval officer in Abuja.
According to an internal memo issued on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and sighted by multiple media outlets, all AGIS officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below are now prohibited from entering the office premises with mobile phones.
The directive, signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Head of AGIS, stated:
“There shall be a ban on the use of mobile phones within the office premises for all officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below. Affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”
Viral Video Triggers Controversial Policy
Insiders revealed that the order came less than 24 hours after clips of Wike’s altercation with a naval officer at a disputed property site went viral across social media and internal AGIS WhatsApp groups.
“The minister was furious that staff circulated the video internally. He viewed it as a breach of trust and an act of sabotage,” a staff source told The Cheer News.
Critics Slam ‘Draconian’ Order
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and labour activists, who described the policy as “undemocratic,” “oppressive,” and “unfit for modern governance.”
“It’s shocking that in 2025, a public official would respond to a viral video by banning phones in government offices,” said a labour rights advocate. “This shows a growing intolerance for accountability and transparency.”
NANS Condemns Minister’s Behaviour
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also condemned Wike’s conduct in the viral video, calling his verbal attack on the naval officer “disrespectful and arrogant.”
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah, the group said:
“The officer was carrying out a lawful duty assigned by his superior and did not deserve to be insulted. His composure and restraint showed discipline and professionalism.”
The students urged President Bola Tinubu to caution the FCT Minister, emphasizing that no public official is above the law.
Public Awaits FCTA Clarification
As of press time, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had not released any official clarification regarding the phone ban or the viral altercation.
Observers warn that the controversy may further strain Wike’s relationship with civil servants and security agencies in the FCT, particularly as concerns mount over his governance style and handling of public criticism.
