Nigerian official claims citizens at home are better off than those abroad

Some Nigerians who believe they are struggling in the country are actually in a better position than those who left years ago, according to Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication. Bwala made the remark during an interview on 'The Morayo Podcast Show' on Wednesday. He stated that many Nigerians who moved abroad, including those with Master's degrees and Ph.Ds, are now working in low-skilled jobs such as care homes and warehouses. "Some of you Nigerians, who think you are suffering, you're better off than your colleagues that traveled out five years ago," Bwala said. He added that even Nigerians with first-class and second-class degrees who pursue further qualifications abroad still end up in menial roles. "I am a resident of the United Kingdom. A Nigerian that finished with first class or second class, now moves to the UK, and then adds another degree only to be working at care homes," he said. Bwala described the situation as modern-day slavery, going further to say it is worse than being a house girl because of the range of duties expected. The comments were made in the context of ongoing economic hardship in Nigeria, including inflation and currency devaluation, which have driven many professionals to seek opportunities overseas. Bwala did not provide data to support his claims but framed them as observations from personal experience. The discussion has reignited debate over the conditions pushing Nigerians to emigrate and the realities they face abroad.

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