Federal Government Criticizes Viral Video by Abuja Car Dealer Over Civil Servants Affordability Joke
Abuja, Nigeria – June 2, 2025 — The Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has strongly criticized a viral video posted by Abuja-based luxury car dealer, Alamin Sarkinmota, for making light of the financial struggles of Nigerian civil servants.
In the trending clip, Sarkinmota is seen promoting a 2023 model of the Mercedes-Benz C300, asking the car’s artificial intelligence system, “Can civil servants afford you?” The vehicle’s response — “No! Maybe in 2062” — sparked public outrage and prompted an official response from the NOA.
Government Condemns Disrespect Toward Civil Workers
Reacting to the video, NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu labeled the content as distasteful and harmful to the image of hardworking government employees. He argued that using satire to highlight economic challenges in a way that demeans a specific group is not acceptable, especially coming from a high-profile entrepreneur.
> “Civil servants are critical to the functioning of this country. They deserve encouragement and respect, not public mockery,” Issa-Onilu stated.
He further urged business owners and influencers to exercise discretion and empathy in their communication, especially on sensitive socioeconomic matters.
Nigerians React: Joke or Hard Truth?
The viral video has divided public opinion. Some Nigerians agree with the NOA, asserting that the content was inappropriate and dismissive of the realities facing public workers. Others, however, view the video as an uncomfortable but honest commentary on the growing wage gap in Nigeria.
For many, the clip was a reflection of the broader issue of income disparity, where even basic comfort — let alone luxury — remains out of reach for those employed in the public sector.
No Apology Yet from Sarkinmota
As of press time, Sarkinmota has neither retracted the video nor issued a public apology. Close associates insist the clip was meant to be humorous and should not be taken out of context.
Still, the controversy has spotlighted the deeper struggles of Nigerian civil servants, including poor wages, delayed payments, and a lack of purchasing power in a high-inflation economy.
A Wake-Up Call or Missed Opportunity?
This incident has triggered broader discussions about how marketing and influencer content intersects with public perception, ethics, and national morale. While some see the government’s response as heavy-handed, others believe it’s a necessary reminder of the role of content creators in shaping societal values.
Whether intended as satire or not, the video has brought national attention to the challenges facing civil servants — and the disconnect between luxury marketing and economic reality for millions of Nigerians.
