BREAKING: Wike Bans Mobile Phones for AGIS Staff After Viral Clash with Naval Officer

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a total ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, following a viral incident that stirred massive public reaction.

The decision, announced on November 11, 2025, comes shortly after a video surfaced online showing a tense confrontation between Wike and a naval officer, where the minister was seen rebuking the officer during an inspection. The footage, widely circulated across X and Instagram, sparked heated debates about Wike’s leadership style and the growing culture of public accountability through viral media exposure.

According to reports from the FCT Administration, the new phone ban aims to improve staff productivity, prevent information leaks, and restore discipline within AGIS — a critical agency responsible for managing Abuja’s land records and mapping systems. Insiders claim the measure also seeks to curb the growing trend of employees recording official activities without authorization.

Public reaction, however, remains sharply divided. Supporters of the policy describe it as a step toward professionalism and efficiency, arguing that frequent phone use in offices often leads to distraction and data compromise. Critics, on the other hand, have condemned the move as “authoritarian”, claiming it reflects Wike’s intolerance for transparency, especially following the viral video that embarrassed the FCT minister.

Political analysts note that the directive adds to Wike’s long list of controversial administrative decisions since assuming office in 2023, including strict urban renewal policies and demolitions in unauthorized districts. As the debate grows, many Nigerians are asking whether this latest measure represents a push for accountability — or an attempt to silence public scrutiny in the digital age.