The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Abuja-based auto dealer Alamin Sarkinmota after a viral video surfaced in which he appeared to mock Nigerian civil servants’ financial capacity. In the video, used to promote a Mercedes-Benz 2023 C300 with AI features, Sarkinmota asks,
“Can civil servants afford you?”
The car’s built-in artificial intelligence voice promptly replies,
“No! Maybe in 2062.”
According to a letter from the National Orientation Agency (NOA)—signed by Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu—the FG viewed Sarkinmota’s skit as disrespectful to civil servants, who play a vital role in running government machinery.
“At a time when Nigerians face social pressure and materialism is rampant, it is wrong to be condescending about civil servants,” the NOA stated.
Issa-Onilu emphasized that civil servants work tirelessly to create an enabling environment for businesses, including auto dealerships, to prosper.
“To be a civil servant in Nigeria is a very important role. Civil servants across sectors are the ones who work hard so that businesses like yours can thrive,” he noted.
The NOA’s letter further urged Sarkinmota to choose his words carefully in future advertisements to avoid hurting any segment of Nigerian society.
“We have taken the trouble to respond based on the feedback we are getting from many people who watched your video skit,” it read, warning that further condescension could attract sanctions.
Latest News
Sarkinmota has built his brand—famously trolling civil servants and showcasing luxury vehicles—by highlighting the gap between average public-service salaries and high-end car prices. His adverts often go viral, generating both praise from aspirational youth and backlash from government workers who feel targeted.
Social media reactions to the NOA warning have been mixed. Some users applaud the FG for defending civil servants’ dignity, while others argue that Sarkinmota’s approach is simply marketing flair. Still, the NOA made it clear that mocking any professional cadre undermines national development goals.
This incident shines a spotlight on the tension between marketing tactics and respect for public servants in Nigeria. As Sarkinmota continues to post new adverts, observers will be watching closely to see if he softens his tone—or faces further government reprimands. One certainty remains: in a country where the “get-rich-quick” mindset is pervasive, balancing promotional gimmicks with dignity of labour has become a pressing issue.
#FGWarning #CivilServants #Sarkinmota #LuxuryCarAd #NOAStatement #AbujaNews #AdsControversy #WhyTrending