Presidential Adviser on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has argued that some Nigerians earning as little as ₦60,000 monthly are better off than those who relocated abroad in search of greener pastures.

Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on The Morayo Show, where he discussed the economic realities facing many Nigerians living overseas.

‘Japa is not always greener’

According to Bwala, many Nigerians who migrated to countries such as the United Kingdom now work jobs that do not reflect their educational qualifications.

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

He described the experience of many migrants as “modern-day slavery,” claiming that degree holders are now working in care homes, warehouses and other low-skilled jobs to survive.

Living costs consume earnings

Bwala said although some workers abroad earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, a significant portion of their income goes into rent, transportation, internet, utility bills and feeding.

“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.

He added that someone earning ₦60,000 in Nigeria may still benefit from support from family and friends, unlike many Nigerians living abroad who have no such safety net.

Defends Tinubu’s social programmes

The presidential aide also defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting what he described as key healthcare interventions.

According to Bwala, the Federal Government has introduced a 50 per cent subsidy on dialysis in federal hospitals and made caesarean section procedures free in public health facilities.

He said the administration intends to expand healthcare support to cover additional medical services and prescription drugs as more resources become available.