The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Abuja-based automobile dealer, popularly known as Alamin Sarkinmota, over a viral advert video in which he mocked Nigerian civil servants for their inability to afford most of the luxury vehicles he markets.
The warning was conveyed in a letter from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), signed by its Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Monday.
In the video, Sarkinmota promotes a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) functionalities. During the advert, he poses the question, “Can civil servants afford you?” to which the AI responds, “No! Maybe in 2062.”
The NOA expressed displeasure with the advert, stating:
“We write in reference to a video skit you made ostensibly to promote a Mercedes-Benz 2023 C300 with AI functionalities, where you asked ‘Can civil servants afford you?’ and the Artificial Intelligence function responded, ‘No! Maybe in 2062.’”
The agency condemned the tone of the video, noting the prevailing social and economic pressures Nigerians face, and criticized the disparaging remarks against civil servants at a time when materialism is increasingly prioritized over dignity of labour and core values.
“To be a civil servant in Nigeria, as is the case in most countries, is a vital role. Civil servants across sectors work diligently to provide the enabling environment for businesses like yours to thrive and prosper. It is therefore indecent to speak condescendingly about Nigerian civil servants who spend many years dedicated to driving the machinery of government for national development,” the statement added.
The NOA urged Sarkinmota to exercise caution and sensitivity in his choice of words when promoting his vehicles, warning that such remarks could offend many Nigerians.
“We have taken the trouble to respond based on feedback from numerous viewers of your video skit. Kindly take note,” the letter concluded.
It further emphasized the government’s commitment to building a resilient Nigeria where every citizen is respected and the dignity of labour is upheld above material possessions.
Sarkinmota is widely known for his provocative adverts that often highlight the perceived inability of civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory to afford the luxury cars he sells.
