Bwala Says Many Nigerians Abroad Are Struggling Despite Good Jobs

(Daniel Bwala. Photo by Nigeria Stories)

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has said that many Nigerians who relocated abroad in search of better opportunities are now grappling with harsh economic realities, despite holding advanced degrees.

Speaking on a television programme, Bwala said some Nigerians living in the United Kingdom are working in jobs far below their level of education.

“Some of you in Nigeria who think you are suffering, you’re better off than your colleagues that japa five years ago,” he said.

He described the situation as a form of modern-day exploitation, pointing out that many degree holders end up working in care homes and warehouses.

“As far as I am concerned, it is modern-day slavery,” he stated.

According to him, although such workers may earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, the bulk of that income goes toward rent, utilities, internet, transportation and feeding, leaving them with very little in savings.

“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 explained.

Bwala argued that someone earning ₦60,000 within Nigeria could still be better off in some respects, given the possibility of support from family and lower living costs, compared to Nigerians struggling abroad without such a safety net.

“That ₦60,000 earner can still get support from family and friends, while many abroad have nobody to fall back on,” he added.

He went on to defend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s social intervention policies, pointing to the 50 per cent subsidy on dialysis in federal hospitals and the provision of free cesarean sections at public health facilities.

“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 noted further that the administration hopes to extend healthcare support to cover more services and prescription drugs as government resources improve.