The Federal Government has come under criticism on social media following the circulation of a video featuring what viewers questioned as an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated conversation about the country’s oil sector.

The video, which circulated on X, formerly Twitter, drew reactions from users who questioned the need to use an apparently AI-generated exchange to engage with issues concerning the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and oil sales.

In the comment section, some users questioned whether the conversation reflected genuine public engagement, asking why artificial intelligence was being used to stage a question-and-answer exchange instead of addressing the concerns Nigerians were raising.

The reactions point to a broader concern about how the government communicates with citizens, particularly on issues that attract public scrutiny and require clear explanations.

For many Nigerians, questions surrounding the oil sector go beyond public messaging. They concern the management of the country’s resources, the operations of the national oil company and the extent to which official information can be independently scrutinised.

Against this backdrop, the use of an apparently AI-generated conversation has raised questions about the credibility and purpose of the communication.

While artificial intelligence can help organisations produce content and simplify information, its use in public communication can attract suspicion when viewers cannot easily distinguish between a genuine interaction and a synthetic presentation.

The controversy also highlights the importance of transparency in government communication. Where public confidence is at stake, citizens need clear information about the source of a message and whether the people or conversations presented are real.

However, the intention behind the video and the circumstances surrounding its production have not been independently established. It is therefore unclear whether it was intended to answer public questions, promote a particular message or serve another purpose.

The online reactions nevertheless underscore the expectation that public institutions should respond to legitimate questions with verifiable information rather than communications that leave audiences questioning their authenticity.