The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has banned staff of a key land agency from using mobile phones at work. The order applies to all employees of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems, known as AGIS. It also includes workers in the Department of Land Administration. The minister announced the new rule during a meeting on Wednesday. He said the ban was a direct result of a recent viral video.
That video showed a loud argument between Wike and a Nigerian naval officer. The incident happened at the AGIS office in Abuja. The officer, Commander I. O. Omoniyi, was trying to process a land document. In the video, the minister is seen questioning the officer. He asks why the officer was recording him with a phone. The situation grew tense as both men raised their voices. The video spread quickly across social media platforms. It sparked many comments and discussions online.
Minister Wike stated the phone ban is needed to stop secret recordings. He said some staff members use their phones to make videos of official interactions. The minister argued this practice is wrong. He said it violates the privacy and dignity of his office. The new policy is meant to protect the integrity of the agency's work. Wike warned that any staff member who breaks this rule will face serious punishment. He did not give the exact details of what that punishment would be.
The Abuja Geographic Information Systems is a very important office. It manages all digital land records for the capital city. People and businesses go there for land title certificates and other property documents. The agency deals with sensitive information daily. The minister's decision has started a debate about privacy and official transparency. Some people support the move to protect official discussions. Others worry it might hide possible wrongdoing from the public.
A government source explained the minister's frustration. The source said Wike believes the staff should focus on their work. Using phones for personal reasons, including recording, distracts from their duties. The minister feels the viral video was an attempt to embarrass him. He views it as a break of trust between staff and leadership. The ban is seen as a swift action to regain control and discipline.
The naval officer at the center of the incident has also spoken. Commander Omoniyi said he visited the AGIS office for a land document. He explained that he started recording because he felt his request was being delayed unfairly. He said he wanted to have proof of the encounter. The officer expressed surprise that the event gained so much public attention. He noted that the matter has been resolved between him and the minister.
Public reaction to the phone ban has been mixed. Some citizens agree with the minister's decision. They believe government offices should be places of serious work. They argue that phone use can lead to leaks of private data. Others see the ban as a harsh reaction. They say it could stop workers from reporting problems or corruption. A civil society group has called for clearer rules. They want a policy that balances security with accountability.
This is not the first time Minister Wike has taken strong action. Since taking office, he has launched several projects to improve Abuja. He has also been known for his direct and sometimes confrontational style. Those who follow his work say this move is in line with his way of leading. He often makes quick decisions to address problems he sees.
The long-term effect of the phone ban is still unclear. It may reduce the number of unauthorized videos from the office. However, it could also create tension among the staff. Some experts on government policy suggest a middle path. They say a better solution might be strict rules on phone use in certain areas. A total ban, they argue, might be hard to enforce completely.
The FCT Administration has promised to give more details on the new rule soon. They will explain how it will be put in place across the offices. They will also detail the penalties for staff who do not obey. For now, employees at AGIS and the Land Department have been told to leave their personal phones at home. This story continues to develop as the government works to carry out the minister's order.