The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has issued a stern warning to content creators and the general public against producing or sharing materials that ridicule Nigerian civil servants.
This reaction follows a viral promotional video for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300, which has sparked widespread criticism online. In the skit, the vehicle’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) responds to a question, “Can civil servants afford you?” with a sarcastic retort: “No! Maybe in 2062.”
Mallam Issa-Onilu, in a statement shared with Radio Nigeria, described the video as “unfair and insulting,” condemning its message as one that undermines the dignity of honest Nigerian workers. He noted that this type of content reinforces harmful stereotypes and disrespects the backbone of Nigeria’s public sector.
“At a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and a rising culture of materialism, it is irresponsible to portray civil servants, who dedicate their lives to public service, as incapable or irrelevant,” the NOA boss stated.
He emphasized that civil servants remain central to national development, providing the structure that allows both government and private businesses to function. According to him, civil service is a noble profession marked by decades of dedication, often under difficult circumstances.
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Issa-Onilu expressed concern over the growing trend of mocking hardworking Nigerians for cheap online engagement. He urged influencers, marketers, and skit creators to prioritize national values, dignity of labour, and responsible messaging in their content.
“This isn’t just about one video,” he said. “We are echoing the sentiments of thousands of Nigerians who found the video distasteful. Creators must be conscious of the narratives they spread, especially in a digital space where perception can shape public behavior.”
He reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to promoting national unity and respect for honest labour, warning that messages which glorify wealth while mocking the working class only serve to erode the nation’s moral fabric.
Mallam Issa-Onilu concluded by encouraging all Nigerians to uphold content that inspires and unites, rather than one that belittles and divides.
