ABUJA — The Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) has lifted its controversial mobile phone ban on staff of the Department of Land Administration, days after a viral video showed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in a heated confrontation with a naval officer over a disputed land parcel. However, only basic “torchlight” phones are now permitted within the office.
The initial directive, issued shortly after the video circulated online, barred staff on Salary Grade Level 14 and below from bringing smartphones or tablets into the workplace. The move was widely interpreted as a reaction to the viral footage, which sparked national debate over civil-military relations and land governance in the Federal Capital Territory.
In the video, Wike confronted a serving naval officer allegedly guarding land linked to a retired Chief of Naval Staff. The exchange escalated, with Wike reportedly challenging the officer’s authority and questioning the use of military personnel for land protection. The footage was widely shared across social media platforms, reportedly by staff within AGIS.
The revised AGIS policy now permits only non-smartphones — commonly referred to as torchlight phones — which lack internet access, cameras, and app functionality. The agency cited concerns over information security and workplace discipline, but critics say the move is an attempt to control optics and suppress internal dissent.
Staff unions have condemned the policy as punitive and regressive, arguing that it undermines morale and trust. Many workers expressed frustration over being treated as potential whistleblowers rather than professionals. Some described the torchlight-only rule as “absurd,” noting that even basic communication is now restricted.
Digital rights advocates have raised concerns about the implications for transparency and accountability. They argue that restricting access to smartphones in government offices could hinder whistleblowing, limit documentation of misconduct, and violate workplace freedoms.
The Wike–Naval officer incident continues to reverberate across Nigeria’s civil service and military circles. It has reignited conversations about the influence of retired military officials, the boundaries of civilian authority, and the use of uniformed personnel in non-combat roles.
Observers say the AGIS phone policy reflects a broader trend of reactive governance, where viral media pressure prompts abrupt administrative decisions. The timeline — from the video’s release to the phone ban and its partial reversal — underscores how digital exposure can reshape internal policy.
While AGIS has not confirmed whether any staff were disciplined for sharing the video, the agency’s swift response suggests a heightened sensitivity to public perception. For now, land administration officers will navigate their duties with limited connectivity — and a growing sense of caution.
The incident has become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing debate over institutional accountability, civil-military boundaries, and the role of technology in governance. Whether the torchlight phone rule remains or evolves will likely depend on how the public and civil service respond in the weeks ahead.
