The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has dismissed as fake and malicious a viral social media post falsely attributed to her, which criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement shared through her verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala described the circulating post as completely fabricated, warning Nigerians not to fall for false information being spread online.
The viral message, which has been shared across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, was titled “Trump didn’t ‘hit’ us – our leaders did.” It falsely claimed that the WTO boss accused Nigerian leaders of focusing on rhetoric instead of taking concrete action against banditry and insurgency. The post also suggested that Okonjo-Iweala had called on President Tinubu to stop making “damage control speeches” and instead “secure the people.”
Okonjo-Iweala swiftly debunked the claims, saying the post did not come from her. “Beware, this story going around on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook is false! We are taking action! The person who did this could not even spell my name,” she wrote on X.
She further disclosed that legal steps were being taken to identify and prosecute those behind the impersonation, stressing that such actions are harmful and misleading.
Fake news and misinformation have become major challenges in Nigeria’s online space. Social media platforms like Facebook, X, and WhatsApp are often used to spread unverified political statements, especially those attributed to prominent figures such as politicians, government officials, and public personalities.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, has often been the subject of false claims due to her global visibility and outspoken reputation on governance and development issues. However, she has repeatedly distanced herself from partisan political debates since assuming office as WTO Director-General in 2021.
As the head of the World Trade Organisation, Okonjo-Iweala leads efforts to strengthen global trade systems and support developing economies, including African countries. Her position is non-political, and she has maintained a neutral stance on domestic political matters in Nigeria.
In her Saturday statement, she reminded the public that she does not make political statements or engage in partisan commentary. She urged Nigerians to verify information from her official channels before sharing any post attributed to her.
“Fake news spreads quickly, but the truth takes time to catch up,” a statement from one of her media aides, circulated later on Saturday, read. “Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is focused on her work at the WTO and will not be distracted by those who use her name for mischief.”
While the presidency has not officially reacted to the fake post, several social media users expressed concern about how easily misinformation can spread. Some Nigerians praised Okonjo-Iweala for promptly addressing the issue, while others called for stricter laws to combat online impersonation.
Digital rights advocates have repeatedly urged the government to improve digital literacy among citizens. They argue that many Nigerians share information without verifying sources, which fuels the spread of misleading or false content.
Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 criminalises online impersonation and the spread of false information intended to cause public harm. However, enforcement has been weak, and fake news continues to thrive, especially during politically charged periods.
The false post touched on one of Nigeria’s most sensitive issues — insecurity. Over the years, Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges, including banditry in the North-West, Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, and kidnappings across different parts of the country.
Since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, his administration has made several moves to tackle insecurity, including the appointment of new service chiefs and increased funding for security operations. However, critics say progress has been slow, and insecurity remains a pressing concern for many citizens.
The Nigerian government has also been working with tech companies to curb fake news, though efforts have been met with concerns about possible censorship and abuse of freedom of expression.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala concluded her response by thanking those who alerted her to the viral message and urged everyone to be vigilant. “Please, don’t believe or share false information,” she wrote. “We must stop the spread of lies that harm our society and our country’s image.”
Her message serves as a reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the importance of responsible communication, especially in a politically charged environment like Nigeria’s.
As one of Nigeria’s most respected global figures, Okonjo-Iweala’s name carries significant weight both at home and abroad. Her quick response and decision to take legal action show her determination to protect her reputation — and to send a strong message that fake news will not go unchallenged.
