Safeguarding Nigerians against AI fakes and digital fraud

By: Tolu Aiyegbusi (NAN)

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to advance, creating highly realistic voices, faces, and even emotions, Nigerians are becoming vulnerable to scams, identity theft, and privacy violations.

Experts warn that the rapid adoption of AI technology has outpaced regulatory safeguards, leaving individuals vulnerable to digital manipulation.

At the same time, they stress that vigilance, improved digital literacy, and stronger laws can help citizens safeguard their privacy.

AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media, once the realm of science fiction, have gradually become a powerful tool in the hands of cybercriminals.

According to global projections, deepfake files are expected to grow from approximately 500,000 in 2023 to nearly 8 million by 2025.

Fraud attempts using AI-generated content have surged more than 2,000 per cent over the last three years.

Detecting these digital replicas is extremely difficult, as humans correctly identify fake videos only 24 per cent of the time, according to studies.

Therefore, experts warn that without robust safeguards, AI could be weaponised to manipulate everything from personal finances to political narratives.

In Nigeria, where digital literacy is still developing, these threats are becoming more common.

“Identity hijacks,” in which someone’s likeness is used without their consent, are now becoming a growing concern in Nigeria.

For instance, in one notable case, Fatima Falana, a small business owner in Abuja, wired N50,000 following a Zoom call she believed came from her former boss.

Unbeknownst to her, the call was an AI-generated deepfake that perfectly replicated her ex-boss’s voice and appearance.

Similarly, Ifeoma Jack, a Lagos-based entrepreneur, transferred N500,000 after receiving a call from someone impersonating her brother.

“I was shaken,” she said. “I didn’t know what to do”.

These incidents reveal a global trend.

Indeed, in developed markets, surveys indicate that one in four people has received a deepfake voice call in the past year, while nearly a quarter are unsure if they can tell an AI-generated voice from a real one.

Senior citizens are more susceptible, often losing significant sums once deceived.

Moreover, in the United States, AI-related cybercrime cost an estimated $16.6 billion in 2024, marking a 33 per cent increase from 2023.

Across Africa, identity fraud has surged by 167 per cent, with Nigeria contributing a major share of these cases.

Overall, deepfakes now account for about 7 per cent of all fraud attempts, a dramatic rise from near-zero just a few years ago.

Experts say regulatory frameworks have struggled to keep pace with AI’s rapid evolution.

For example, while the EU AI Act, which came into effect in March 2026, mandates clear labeling of AI-generated content, many countries, including Nigeria, are still finalising laws to tackle these emerging threats.

In Nigeria, the National Digital Economy & E-Governance Bill, currently nearing enactment, will empower the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to shut down non-compliant platforms.

Additionally, it promotes “biometric sovereignty” by exploring blockchain-based proof of personhood protocols to ensure that digital interactions originate from real humans, not AI servers.

Until such measures are fully operational, the burden of privacy protection falls largely on individuals.

Cybersecurity experts emphasise that citizens must adopt practical measures to safeguard their identities.

In particular, families are now using ‘safe words’; or unique phrases spoken only in person to verify identities during phone calls.

Dr Aisha Mohammed, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Abuja, advised that “limit access to your personal data and be wary of suspicious calls, even from familiar voices.

“Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep security software updated.

“Your privacy is compromised when AI can recreate your voice, face, or identity without consent”.

Furthermore, she stressed that public education campaigns are crucial to ensuring citizens understand the evolving threats posed by AI-generated content.

Media experts warn that the impact of deepfakes extends beyond individual financial loss.

Dr James Olabode, a media studies professor at the University of Lagos, noted that the erosion of authenticity threatens public trust in information.

“If people can’t trust what they see or hear, what’s left?” he asked.

In addition, political deepfakes can fuel misinformation, inflame social tensions, and manipulate public opinion.

For instance, in 2022, a video purportedly showing a Nigerian politician making inflammatory remarks went viral, causing widespread outrage, only to be later identified as a deepfake.

Dr Samuel Adeyemi, AI researcher at the African University of Science and Technology, urged citizens to verify information before sharing it online.

“Use fact-checking tools and report any suspicious deepfake content to the authorities. Awareness and early reporting can reduce the impact of these attacks,” he said.

Legal experts stress that personal vigilance must be complemented by strong legislation.

Barrister Emeka Nwosu, a tech policy lawyer in Abuja, explained that digital “breadcrumbs”; from TikTok videos to LinkedIn photos are being harvested by bots to create near-perfect AI replicas.

“Regulatory frameworks should mandate transparency in AI-generated content, impose penalties for malicious use, and ensure accountability from tech companies,” he said.

While AI offers efficiency and convenience, experts emphasise that citizens must cultivate a culture of digital caution.

Specifically, this includes limiting the sharing of personal information, educating families and employees about AI impersonation risks, and adopting verification measures like safe words or biometric confirmation.

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Moreover, organisations handling sensitive data are urged to deploy AI-detection tools, continuously update cybersecurity protocols, and participate in public awareness campaigns.

The rise of AI-generated fakes also presents an opportunity to strengthen regulatory capacity.

Consequently, Nigeria’s government, in collaboration with cybersecurity and tech experts, is exploring national AI guidelines that will require companies to label synthetic media, implement user consent protocols, and report breaches promptly.

Experts believe that such initiatives, combined with public awareness, can reduce the frequency and impact of identity theft, online fraud, and reputational damage.

As AI continues to evolve, Nigerians are at a critical juncture.

By implementing proactive laws, fostering informed citizens, and adopting careful digital practices, the country can navigate this era without compromising privacy and security.

In the meantime, vigilance, skepticism, and strong digital literacy remain the first line of defense against the growing threat of AI-enabled fraud. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.