Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has warned Nigerians about a fake AI-manipulated video circulating online in her name.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala said the video, which promotes an investment scheme, is not from her and is being handled by authorities.
“Just alerting Nigerians. Another fake AI-manipulated video. The authorities are handling it. Just wanted to alert you to be aware of this,” she wrote.
The manipulated video features a voice resembling the former minister of finance inviting Nigerians to participate in what it describes as an “official programme” to help citizens “secure and grow their wealth.”
It claims participants can earn up to N2.66 million in one week after making a minimum investment of N380,000.
The video also promises daily automatic returns and describes the scheme as “government-backed investments.”
According to the video, the programme is open to Nigerians over 30 years old, with 4,000 slots available, adding that more than 80 percent of the slots have been reserved.
The promoters further claim that the platform is managed by experts who analyse financial markets and execute operations, while guaranteeing the security of funds.
Okonjo-Iweala distanced herself from the claims and reiterated that she only communicates through one social media platform.
“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,” she said.
She urged the public to disregard any content bearing her image or name on platforms other than X.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has served as director-general of the WTO since March 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the global trade body.
She was reappointed for a second term in 2024.
Before her appointment at the WTO, she served twice as Nigeria’s minister of finance and also held the position of coordinating minister for the economy.
She previously worked at the World Bank for 25 years, rising to the position of managing director, operations.
The WTO chief has in the past cautioned the public about fraudulent schemes using her name and image to solicit funds.
