“A Nigerian Earning N60,000 Today Is Better Off Than Someone Who Japa Five Years Ago” - Daniel Bwala Sparks Debate

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has sparked online conversations after claiming that many Nigerians who relocated abroad in search of better opportunities are facing harsher economic realities than those currently living in Nigeria.

Speaking during an appearance on The Morayo Show, Bwala argued that the popular belief that relocating overseas automatically guarantees a better life is no longer true for many Nigerians. According to him, numerous Nigerians living in countries such as the United Kingdom are working jobs that do not reflect their educational qualifications despite holding university degrees and professional certifications.

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

Bwala described the situation as a form of “modern-day slavery,” claiming that many highly educated Nigerians abroad are forced to take up physically demanding jobs in care homes, warehouses, and other sectors to survive.

“As far as I am concerned, it is modern-day slavery.”

He explained that although many workers abroad earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, a significant portion of their income goes towards rent, transportation, utility bills, internet, and food.

Bwala further argued that a Nigerian earning N60,000 per month could, in some cases, enjoy a stronger support system than someone living overseas. He noted that people in Nigeria often have family members and friends they can rely on during difficult times, while many Nigerians abroad don’t have that same opportunity. 

“That 60,000 Naira earner can still get support from family and friends, while many abroad have nobody to fall back on.”

The presidential aide also used the interview to defend President Bola Tinubu’s social intervention programmes, highlighting recent healthcare initiatives introduced by the Federal Government. According to him, the administration has implemented a 50 per cent subsidy on dialysis treatments in federal hospitals and made cesarean sections free in public health facilities.

Bwala’s comments have since sparked heated reactions across social media. While some Nigerians agreed that life abroad comes with significant financial and emotional challenges, others argued that comparing life in Nigeria with life overseas is more complex, and that the idea that anyone can survive on just N60,000 monthly is ridiculous. 

As the debate continues, his remarks have once again reignited discussions about the realities of the “Japa” movement and whether the pursuit of greener pastures abroad always delivers the results many Nigerians hope for.