MANY NIGERIANS WHO JAPA’D TO THE UK ARE LIVING LIKE MODERN-DAY SLAVES” – DANIEL BWALA SPEAKS ON THE REALITIES OF LIFE ABROAD
Senior presidential aide Daniel Bwala has sparked conversations online after sharing his views on the realities faced by many Nigerians who relocated to the United Kingdom in search of greener pastures.
Speaking on the “japa” trend, Bwala argued that many highly educated Nigerians living in the UK are struggling financially despite holding master’s and PhD degrees.
According to him, a significant number of Nigerian graduates end up working in care homes, warehouses, and other manual jobs that are unrelated to their academic qualifications.
He described the situation as “modern-day slavery,” claiming that many of the jobs performed by these professionals do not reflect the years they invested in higher education.
Bwala also recalled the experience of a friend who took up a warehouse job while studying for a master’s degree because he needed additional income. He alleged that many of his co-workers were Nigerians with advanced degrees, while their supervisor was a British citizen without a secondary school education.
According to him, although many Nigerians in the UK earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, a large portion of their income is spent on rent, electricity, internet, transportation, food, and other living expenses.
He argued that after paying these bills, many are left with little disposable income, forcing some to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
Comparing life abroad with living in Nigeria, Bwala said that while many Nigerians at home earn significantly less, they often benefit from family and community support systems that can help them during difficult times.
He added that although life in developed countries offers better infrastructure, healthcare, and public services, many migrants still face financial pressures that make it difficult to achieve long-term goals such as buying a home or owning a car.
His remarks have generated mixed reactions on social media. While some users agreed that the cost of living abroad is often underestimated, others argued that opportunities, security, and quality of life still make relocating worthwhile despite the financial challenges.
The comments have reignited discussions about the realities of migration, the high cost of living overseas, and whether relocating abroad still guarantees a better life for Nigerians.