National Orientation Agency Criticizes Car Dealer Over Civil Servant Remarks

 

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has publicly criticized Abuja-based luxury car dealer Alamin Sarkinmota over a viral video that appears to mock Nigerian civil servants. In the video, Sarkinmota showcases a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 equipped with artificial intelligence features and poses the question, “Can civil servants afford you?” The car's AI responds, “No! Maybe in 2062,” implying that such vehicles are beyond the financial reach of civil servants.

Sarkinmota, known for his presence on TikTok, has posted several videos highlighting luxury cars while making comments suggesting that only politicians can afford them. In one instance, he advised civil servants to “go and hustle” instead of inquiring about purchasing such vehicles.

In a statement released on Sunday, June 2, 2025, NOA's Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, condemned the video, stating that it was inappropriate to speak condescendingly about Nigerian civil servants, especially during times of social pressure and materialism. He emphasized that civil servants are crucial to the nation's development, working diligently across various sectors to create an environment conducive to business and governance.

Issa-Onilu highlighted that the agency received numerous feedback from individuals who found the video offensive. He cautioned Sarkinmota to be mindful of his language when promoting vehicles to avoid offending any segment of the Nigerian population.

The incident has sparked discussions on social media, with many users expressing their disapproval of Sarkinmota's remarks. Some have called for a boycott of his business, while others have defended civil servants, emphasizing their contributions to society.

This episode underscores the influence of social media content and the importance of promoting messages that respect all societal groups. As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges, the role of civil servants remains vital, and public discourse should reflect appreciation for their service.