A Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has argued that some Nigerians living and working in the United Kingdom on monthly earnings of between £2,600 and £2,800 may, in certain respects, be worse off than people earning ₦60,000 in Nigeria due to the high cost of living abroad.
Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on The Morayo Afolabi Brown Show, where he discussed migration, living conditions and the Federal Government’s efforts to address the factors driving Nigerians to seek opportunities overseas.
According to him, a significant portion of workers’ earnings in the UK is consumed by rent, utility bills, internet, television subscriptions and other living expenses, leaving many with little disposable income.
He explained that rent alone could account for about £800 monthly, even for residents living on the outskirts of London, while other recurring expenses further reduce take-home income.
Bwala said the financial pressure often compels many Nigerians abroad to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet, adding that the situation has contributed to increasing hardship among some migrants.
Drawing a comparison with Nigeria, he said a person earning ₦60,000 monthly could, in some cases, enjoy stronger family and community support than a worker in the UK.
According to him, although such an income is modest, relatives and friends are often available to provide financial assistance when needed, while some social services and living expenses are relatively less burdensome than in the UK.
He, however, acknowledged that the UK still offers advantages in infrastructure, healthcare and other public services, making life more comfortable in certain respects despite the financial strain.
Responding to a question on the increasing number of Nigerians relocating abroad, Bwala argued that many highly educated Nigerians who migrate to the UK end up taking low-skilled jobs despite possessing university and postgraduate qualifications.
He described the development as a waste of human potential, claiming that many degree holders, including those with master’s and doctoral qualifications, work in care homes and warehouses under difficult conditions.
The presidential aide also recounted an encounter with a friend who introduced him to several Nigerian professionals employed in manual labour despite their academic credentials.
Bwala said the Tinubu administration was implementing policies aimed at reducing the pressures that encourage migration, particularly in the healthcare sector.
He cited the Federal Government’s 50 per cent subsidy on dialysis treatment in federal hospitals and the provision of free Caesarean section services as part of measures designed to improve access to healthcare for Nigerians.
He added that while the government intends to extend similar interventions to private hospitals and other areas of healthcare, such expansion would depend on the availability of resources.
