FCT Administration Bans Smartphones for Lower-Level Staff
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a ban on the use of smartphones, smartwatches, and other smart devices for staff on Grade Level 14 and below during working hours. The directive, issued by the Department of Land Administration (DLA) and Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) on 28th November 2025, is set to take effect on Monday, 1st December 2025, according to a circular obtained by Tech Digest.
The circular states that affected staff will be required to store their devices in secured cabinets, which can only be accessed during official break times. Only torchlight phones without internet connectivity will be allowed for essential communication within the office. Management has emphasized that any violations of the directive will attract disciplinary action, and supervisory staff are tasked with ensuring strict adherence.
To facilitate compliance, the administration has provided the secured cabinets as a safe place for storing devices, ensuring that staff can access their phones only during authorized breaks. The circular reiterates that torchlight phones without internet access remain the only devices permitted for office use, underlining the administration’s effort to minimize distractions during working hours.
The directive also refers to a resolution from the general staff meeting held on Thursday, 18th November 2025, which highlighted the importance of maintaining focus while at work. Supervisory staff have been instructed to communicate the policy clearly to their teams and ensure that all affected officers comply fully, reinforcing that breaches will result in appropriate disciplinary measures.
