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 high financial returns through a government-backed investment scheme.
In a statement posted on her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala said the video, which uses her image and likeness without authorisation, is fake and should not be trusted.
“Just alerting Nigerians. Another fake AI-manipulated video. The authorities are handling it. I just wanted you to be aware,” she wrote.
The video, which has been widely shared on social media, claims that viewers can participate in an “official” investment programme designed to help them secure and grow their wealth. It alleges that participants can earn up to ₦2,660,000 in the first week with a minimum investment of ₦380,000, without requiring daily effort or financial expertise.
The purported scheme also claims it is open to Nigerians aged 30 and above, offers automated returns and allows withdrawals at any time. It further states that only 4,000 accounts are available, with more than 80 per cent already reserved, a tactic commonly used to create urgency.
Okonjo-Iweala urged the public to remain vigilant and to rely solely on her verified X account for official communications, stressing that she does not operate accounts on other social media platforms.
“As I have repeatedly said, I never post anything on Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp. Anything emanating from those sources using my image is not from me. I only post on Twitter/X. I do not want people to be duped,” she said.
Authorities are reportedly investigating the origin of the video in an effort to curb its spread and prevent unsuspecting Nigerians from falling victim to the scam.
