The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has cautioned Nigerians over a fake AI-generated video making the rounds online that falsely promotes huge financial gains through so-called government-backed investments.
In a post on her verified X account on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala stated that the video, which features her image, is not authorised and should be disregarded. She stressed:
“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 spread widely across social media platforms, claimed that viewers could join an official scheme to secure and grow their wealth. It alleged that participants could make as much as 2,660,000 Naira within the first week by investing a minimum of 380,000 Naira, without needing daily involvement or financial knowledge.
According to the video, the programme targeted Nigerians above 30 years of age, promised automated profits, and allowed withdrawals at any time. It further claimed that only 4,000 accounts were available, with more than 80 per cent already taken.
Okonjo-Iweala warned the public to stay alert and rely only on verified sources for information, stressing that her only social media platform for public engagement 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 said to be investigating the origin of the video in order to stop its further spread.
