The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has warned Nigerians about a fraudulent AI-manipulated video circulating online that falsely claims to offer significant financial returns through government-backed investments.
In a statement on her official X account on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala said the video, which uses her image, is unauthorised and should not be trusted. She emphasised:
“Just alerting Nigerians. Another fake AI-manipulated video. The authorities are handling. Just wanted to alert you to be aware of this,” she said.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, claimed viewers could participate in an official programme to secure and grow wealth. It stated that participants could earn up to 2,660,000 Naira in the first week by making a minimum investment of 380,000 Naira, without requiring daily effort or financial expertise.
According to the video, the programme was available to Nigerians over 30 years old, offered automated returns, and allowed withdrawals at any time. It also claimed that only 4,000 accounts were available, with over 80 per cent already reserved.
Okonjo-Iweala cautioned the public and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and only rely on official channels for information, noting that her only social media account for public communications is Twitter/X.
“As I repeatedly said, I never post anything on Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp. Anything emanating from these sources with my image is not from me. I only post on Twitter/X. I just don’t want people to be duped.”
Authorities are reportedly investigating the source of the video to prevent further circulation.
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