NOA Cautions Sarkin Mota Over Viral Video, Warns Against Content That Promotes Desperation for Wealth
Sarkin Mota’s viral video questioning if civil servants can afford luxury cars has sparked a national debate, drawing sharp criticism from the National Orientation Agency over its message.
The NOA warns that such content, though seemingly satirical, could mislead young Nigerians and encourage dangerous mindsets that prioritize quick wealth over hard work and integrity.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has officially addressed Nigerian content creator and auto dealer, Sarkin Mota, over a viral video that has stirred conversations across social media platforms and beyond.
In the video, which gained traction rapidly, Sarkin Mota is seen in a luxury vehicle and rhetorically questioning whether a typical Nigerian civil servant could ever afford such a car. While many viewers interpreted the video as social commentary on Nigeria’s harsh economic disparity, others saw it as an indirect jab at the civil service and a possible glorification of wealth without context.
As both a skit maker known for his street-smart humor and a luxury car dealer, Sarkin Mota has a wide influence among Nigerian youth. His followers often regard his content as a fusion of satire and aspirational lifestyle promotion. However, the NOA believes this particular video crossed a line.
In a formal letter made public over the weekend, the NOA expressed its concerns regarding the message behind the content. According to the agency, while satire plays a role in entertainment and societal critique, it should not encourage “desperation to acquire wealth by any means necessary.” The statement emphasized that such portrayals could undermine the values of hard work, patience, and integrity, principles essential for national development.
“The influence of digital creators in shaping public perception is undeniable,” the statement read. “However, content that seemingly ridicules the financial status of hardworking Nigerians, particularly those in public service, can sow seeds of disillusionment and desperation, especially among young viewers already facing economic hardship.”
The agency urged public figures, influencers, and entrepreneurs to exercise greater responsibility when crafting their messages online. It acknowledged the role of entertainment in public discourse but warned against narratives that could inadvertently promote a distorted view of success.
Sarkin Mota has not yet issued a formal response to the NOA’s letter, but the video continues to fuel debate online. Some users have defended him, arguing that his content only reflects Nigeria’s stark economic realities, where luxurious lifestyles are often disconnected from known income brackets. Others, however, agree with the NOA’s stance, warning that such displays could deepen resentment and mistrust toward institutions and legitimate enterprise.
Observers note that the situation underscores the growing influence of social media personalities, especially those who double as entrepreneurs. In Sarkin Mota’s case, his auto dealership has become as well-known as his digital content, blurring the line between business promotion and social commentary.
The NOA’s intervention serves as a reminder that the digital space while open to creativity is also a space of responsibility. With millions of Nigerians tuning in to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for entertainment and insight, the messages shared there have real-world consequences.
As the conversation unfolds, both creators and regulators are being urged to find a balance between freedom of expression and national ethics. Meanwhile, the public watches closely to see how Sarkin Mota will respond, and whether this incident might reshape the tone of influencer content in Nigeria.
Viral Sarkin Mota video below:
