Presidential Adviser on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has stirred debate after claiming that many Nigerians who relocated abroad in search of better opportunities are now worse off than some of those who remained in the country.
Speaking on The Morayo Show, Bwala argued that despite holding university degrees, many Nigerians living in the United Kingdom are forced to take up low-paying jobs that do not reflect their qualifications.
“Some of you in Nigeria who think you are suffering, you’re better off than your colleagues that japa five years ago,” Bwala said.
He described the experience of many Nigerians abroad as a form of modern-day exploitation, claiming that several degree holders now work in care homes and warehouses just to make ends meet.
“As far as I am concerned, it is modern-day slavery,” he stated.
According to Bwala, although some Nigerians abroad earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, the high cost of rent, transportation, utilities, internet, and feeding consumes most of their income.
“At the end of the day, what you are left with is not much. So you are forced to do two or three jobs,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with life in Nigeria, Bwala maintained that someone earning ₦60,000 monthly at home could enjoy stronger family and community support than many Nigerians living overseas.
“That ₦60,000 earner can still get support from family and friends, while many abroad have nobody to fall back on,” he added.
The presidential aide also defended the social intervention programmes introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, highlighting recent healthcare initiatives aimed at easing the financial burden on Nigerians.
“President Bola Tinubu introduced 50 percent subsidy on dialysis in federal hospitals, and cesarean section has been made free in public hospitals,” Bwala said.
He added that the administration plans to extend healthcare support to cover more medical services and prescription drugs as government resources improve.
