The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has claimed that many Nigerians earning as little as N60,000 monthly are in a better financial position than compatriots who relocated abroad five years ago, citing the rising cost of living in foreign countries.
Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on The Morayo Show, where he argued that although many Nigerians who emigrated to countries such as the United Kingdom receive higher salaries, the cost of rent, transportation, utilities, internet and feeding significantly reduces their disposable income.
According to him, many Nigerian graduates abroad are now employed in care homes and warehouses, jobs he said are far below their qualifications.
“Some of you in Nigeria who think you are suffering, you’re better off than your colleagues that japa five years ago,” he said.
Describing the situation as “modern-day slavery,” Bwala stated that many Nigerians abroad earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly but are left with little after settling essential expenses, forcing some to take on two or three jobs to survive.
He added that Nigerians earning N60,000 at home still have the advantage of receiving support from relatives and friends, unlike many migrants who have no social safety net abroad.
“That N60,000 earner can still get support from family and friends, while many abroad have nobody to fall back on,” he said.
Bwala also defended the social intervention programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the Federal Government had introduced measures aimed at reducing healthcare costs.
He said the government currently subsidises dialysis treatment by 50 per cent in federal hospitals and has made caesarean section procedures free in public hospitals.
The presidential aide added that the administration plans to expand healthcare support to cover additional medical services and prescription drugs as more resources become available.
