Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has cautioned Nigerians to ignore a fake artificial intelligence-generated video circulating online that promotes an investment scheme using her name and image.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a post shared on X on Wednesday, Okonjo-Iweala said the video was manipulated and did not originate from her, urging the public to remain alert and avoid falling victim to fraud. She added that the relevant authorities are already handling the matter.
“Just alerting Nigerians. Another fake Al-manipulated video. The authorities are handling. Just wanted to alert you to be aware of this,” she said.
“Anything emanating from these sources with my image is not from me. I just don’t want people to be duped.”
The altered video features a voice similar to that of the former finance minister, inviting Nigerians to join what is described as an official programme designed to help people grow their wealth.
It claims participants can earn up to N2.66 million within one week after making a minimum investment of N380,000, promising daily automatic returns and so-called “government-backed investments.”
The video further states that the scheme is open only to Nigerians aged 30 and above, with a limited offer of 4,000 slots, adding that more than 80 percent of the spaces have already been taken. It also claims that the platform is managed by financial experts who analyse market trends and guarantee the safety of investors’ funds.
Okonjo-Iweala firmly distanced herself from the claims, stressing that she does not operate or promote any investment platform. She also clarified that she does not use Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp, and that her only verified social media presence is on X.
The warning comes amid a growing rise in online scams in Nigeria, where fraudsters increasingly deploy artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to impersonate public figures in order to lure unsuspecting victims into fake investment schemes.
