The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to popular Abuja automobile dealer, Alamin Sarkinmota, over a recent video advertisement perceived to ridicule Nigerian civil servants.
The caution was delivered through a letter by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Monday.
In the viral skit, Sarkinmota showcased a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 with Artificial Intelligence capabilities. During the video, he asked the car, “Can civil servants afford you?” to which the AI responded, “No! Maybe in 2062.”
The NOA condemned the video, describing it as offensive and insensitive to the struggles of public servants. “This mode of promotion undermines the dignity of hardworking Nigerians and sends the wrong message about respect for labour,” the agency stated.
The agency urged marketers and influencers to uphold responsible communication and avoid content that could demoralize citizens or disparage public service.