NIGERIA: Nigerians React To FG Warning Auto Dealer Over Viral Video Mocking Civil Servants

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Federal Government’s recent warning to Abuja-based automobile dealer, popularly known as Alamin Sarkinmota, over a viral advert mocking Nigerian civil servants’ inability to afford luxury cars has sparked widespread debate and a torrent of reactions on social media.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in a letter signed by its Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu, expressed displeasure over Sarkinmota’s promotional video of a Mercedes Benz 2023 C300 equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In the video, the dealer asks, “Can civil servants afford you?” to which the AI responds, “No! Maybe in 2062.”

The agency condemned the advert as insensitive, saying it undermines the dignity of civil servants who play a critical role in running the machinery of government. The letter urged Sarkinmota to exercise caution in his messaging to avoid hurting Nigerians’ sensibilities during challenging times of economic hardship.

However, many Nigerians feel the dealer merely spoke harsh truths about the realities faced by civil servants, whose salaries have long been criticized as insufficient amid rising living costs.

On social media, comments poured in expressing frustration, humor, and calls for government action.

Reacting to the report on social media, James Akoji Sylvester succinctly put it, “He’s saying the truth,” reflecting widespread agreement among many Nigerians.

Some comments highlighted the dire economic realities faced by civil servants. Mike Onuh remarked sarcastically, “Judiciary workers wey no even fit buy bike… Shey they are on strike now?” while Taiwo Olajide Kayode added, “Despite the warning. My brother, civil servant cannot still afford the tyres.” These statements underline the deep financial struggles experienced by workers in the public sector.

Others expressed frustration at the government’s perceived failure to improve civil servants’ welfare. Solomon King stated, “Why not start paying Civil Servants well so that they start to afford the price…. Omohhh nawaoo!” Similarly, Iyk Lawrence urged, “If FG is pained, then increase civil servant salary to enable them live a bit comfortable.”

Humor was also a common theme. Akinnayajo Olalekan Gilbert quipped, “Lol. Imagine a country where a civil servant cannot even afford a 2006 Corolla. Shame.” Likewise, Prinz Bassey commented, “Actually, which civil servant can afford a 2015 Kia Picanto let alone Optima?”

The advertisement’s viral nature has also caused some backlash, with voices like Umar Farouq Adamu highlighting perceived double standards: “If it were an ordinary Nigerian, Na court summon or worse still police or DSS go come kidnap person. But as this one get money, na warning Dem dey give am. The law is only for the poor and less privileged in Nigeria 🇳🇬.”

Meanwhile, some respondents pointed to deeper systemic issues. Chimezie Nnaa Nwosu Mnifst observed, “When you have FG that doesn’t have work to do,” while Daniel Idakwo called for practical support, saying, “Rather than warn the fat boy, I expect the federal government to grant loan facilities to civil servants who would like to own good automobiles. Sarkin mota’s trolling is an indictment to the government of Nigeria as chief operator of the slave camps that civil service now represents. Shame.”

In the midst of these reactions, calls for increased pay and welfare reforms were consistent. Peter A Moses urged, “Federal government if Una vex, then upgrade the civil servant pay,” while Janet David Mark simply stated, “Then start paying them well so that they can afford it na.”