FG Warns Auto Dealer Over Viral Video Mocking Civil Servants’ Ability to Afford Luxury Cars
Abuja, June 2, 2025 – The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a formal warning to Abuja-based automobile dealer popularly known as Sarkin Mota, following a viral video in which he mocked Nigerian civil servants over their inability to afford luxury vehicles. The warning was communicated through a letter from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), signed by its Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu.
Details of the Controversy
In the widely circulated video, Sarkin Mota promoted a 2023 Mercedes Benz C300 equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) features. He asked the vehicle,
“Can civil servants afford you?”
The AI responded,
“No! Maybe in 2062.”
The dealer used this exchange to encourage viewers to hustle harder to afford such luxury cars. However, many Nigerians perceived the message as condescending and disrespectful towards civil servants.
Government’s Position and Response
The NOA expressed displeasure with the advert, emphasizing that it is inappropriate to demean civil servants, especially during a period when Nigerians face significant social and economic pressures. The agency’s statement noted:
“At a time when Nigerians are passing through so much social pressure and in an environment where get-rich-at-all-cost syndrome is pervasive and material things are promoted over and above dignity of labour and decent values, it is wrong to speak condescendingly about Nigerian civil servants.”
Issa-Onilu further stated,
“Civil servants across sectors work hard to provide an 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 agency cautioned Sarkin Mota to be mindful of his choice of words in future promotions so as not to hurt the sensibilities of any segment of Nigerians.
Public Reaction and Broader Context
Sarkin Mota is known for his provocative marketing style, often trolling civil servants for their perceived inability to afford the luxury vehicles he sells within the Federal Capital Territory. The viral video sparked widespread debate on social media, with some Nigerians criticizing the government’s warning as heavy-handed, while others defended the need to respect all professions.
Some social media users viewed the video as a challenge for civil servants to improve their welfare rather than an insult. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around economic disparities and respect for the dignity of labour in Nigeria.
Government’s Call for National Unity
Issa-Onilu concluded the letter by urging all Nigerians to work together to build a resilient country where every citizen is respected regardless of their profession, stating:
“Please accept the assurance of my best wishes as we work together to build a resilient country where every cadre of citizen can thrive and be respected, a Nigeria where dignity of labour is valued over and above material things.”
