Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communications, has claimed that many Nigerians who relocated abroad in search of greener pastures are facing harsh economic realities despite earning salaries in foreign currencies.
Speaking on The Morayo Show, Bwala said the expectations that drove many Nigerians to emigrate—particularly to the United Kingdom—have not matched the reality, as many graduates now work low-skilled jobs in care homes, warehouses, and other sectors unrelated to their qualifications.
“Some of you in Nigeria who think you are suffering are actually better off than your colleagues who relocated five years ago,” he said.
Bwala described the situation as a form of “modern-day slavery,” arguing that the high cost of living abroad significantly erodes workers’ earnings.
According to him, many Nigerians abroad earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, but spend a substantial portion of their income on rent, utility bills, internet services, transportation, and food, leaving little disposable 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 stated.
He further argued that Nigerians earning modest salaries at home may enjoy stronger social support than those living overseas.
“That ₦60,000 earner can still get support from family and friends, while many abroad have nobody to fall back on,” Bwala added.
Comments