Why Nigerians No Longer Trust Influencers — My Honest Take

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I remember when being an influencer in Nigeria meant something big. People respected your words, brands chased you, and fans believed everything you posted.

 

But today? Everything don change. Many people now roll their eyes when they see "paid partnership" or someone shouting “Use my code for discount o.”

 

So what really happened? Why do people no longer trust influencers the way they used to? Let’s talk truth.

 

 

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🤥 1. Too Many Fake Endorsements

 

People now promote things they don’t use. A person can post about 3 different weight loss teas in one week. How are we supposed to trust that?

 

We see people saying, “This cream cleared my pimples in 2 days,” but when you zoom the video, the pimples are still there.

 

 

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💔 2. Fans Feel Used, Not Valued

 

Many influencers started with real content — jokes, dance, advice, lifestyle — and people loved them. But once money came in, every post became an advert.

 

Fans feel like “you only come online when you want to sell something.”

 

 

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💸 3. Promoting Scam or Useless Products

 

Let’s be real — some influencers don’t even check what they’re promoting.

From failed crypto projects, fake investment apps, to skin-damaging creams.

 

I remember one Telegram influencer who pushed a betting app that stopped paying after 2 weeks. People lost money — and the influencer just posted another “ad” the next day like nothing happened.

 

 

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🙄 4. Forced Lifestyle & Fake Flexing

 

Influencers now rent cars, borrow money for hotel rooms, and pretend they're balling. Some use AI filters to fake a luxury life.

 

But fans are wiser now. We know when someone is trying too hard.

It’s not real anymore, and nobody likes being lied to.

 

 

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🧠 5. People Now Do Their Own Research

 

Back then, if your favorite influencer said, “This app pays,” you’d download it without thinking. Now? People Google everything first.

 

Nigerians have been scammed too many times to trust blindly. We now ask:

"How long have they been using it? Is it really legit? What’s the catch?"

 

 

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🔄 6. Oversaturation — Everyone Is an Influencer

 

Let’s be honest — today, even your neighbor with 500 followers calls herself an influencer.

There are too many people trying to sell something every day.

 

It’s hard to know who is genuine and who is just chasing quick money.

 

 

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✅ So Who Do Nigerians Trust Now?

 

Honest creators who show real life, not just luxury.

 

People who reply to comments, not just post and disappear.

 

Creators who post useful or funny content, not constant ads.

 

Influencers who admit when something didn’t work or went wrong.

 

 

 

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✍️ Final Words from Me

 

I still follow some influencers, but only the ones that are real, raw, and respectful.

We’re not saying they shouldn’t make money — but they should respect our trust too.

 

If you’re an upcoming influencer, let me be honest with you:

Don’t chase ads. Chase authenticity. That’s what pays in the long run.

 

People are tired of being sold to. We want connection, not just consumption.

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Comments
Gowans - Jul 20, 2025, 12:08 PM - Add Reply

Thanks 🤗

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A student of TCL camera school Jos

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