Bwala: Nigerians Earning ₦60,000 May Be Better Off Than Some Japa Migrants in UK, Sparks Nationwide Debate

Presidential aide says many Nigerians working in UK care homes earn good salaries but are overwhelmed by rent, taxes and living expenses, while critics argue the benefits of living abroad still outweigh the challenges.

ABUJA, Nigeria — A fresh debate has erupted over Nigeria’s “japa” migration trend after Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, claimed that some Nigerians earning as little as ₦60,000 per month at home may be better off financially than compatriots who relocated to the United Kingdom in search of greener pastures.

Speaking during an appearance on The Morayo Show, Bwala argued that many Nigerians who emigrated to the UK now face harsh economic realities despite earning salaries that appear impressive when converted to naira. He described the experience of some migrants as “modern-day slavery,” saying many graduates have been forced into jobs that do not match their qualifications.

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

According to him, many Nigerians working in UK care homes, warehouses and other low-skilled sectors earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, equivalent to roughly ₦4.5 million to ₦5 million at prevailing exchange rates. However, he argued that high living costs—including rent, transportation, food, utility bills and taxes—consume most of their earnings, leaving little room for savings.

Bwala also said many migrants are compelled to work two or three jobs just to survive, adding that unlike people in Nigeria who can often rely on relatives and friends during difficult times, many Nigerians abroad have no family support system to cushion financial hardship.

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

His remarks come amid the continued wave of migration by Nigerians seeking better economic opportunities overseas. Although Nigeria’s national minimum wage now stands at ₦70,000, many workers in both the formal and informal sectors still earn around ₦60,000 or less, making Bwala’s comparison particularly contentious.

While his comments acknowledged the high salaries available abroad, they also highlighted the reality that the United Kingdom has one of the highest costs of living in Europe, with housing, transportation and utility costs placing significant pressure on household incomes.

However, Bwala’s position has been challenged by many Nigerians in the diaspora, who argue that the comparison overlooks the broader advantages of living abroad, including access to quality healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), stronger labour protections, child and family benefits, better infrastructure and greater long-term career opportunities.

Critics also pointed to the billions of dollars sent home annually by Nigerians living overseas. Remittances from the diaspora continue to play a vital role in supporting families and boosting Nigeria’s economy, with inflows remaining one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange.

The presidential aide’s comments quickly generated intense reactions across social media, with supporters insisting that many Nigerians underestimate the financial and emotional challenges of living abroad, while others accused him of oversimplifying the realities of migration and ignoring the economic hardships facing millions of people at home.

The renewed debate once again highlights the difficult choices confronting many Nigerians as rising living costs, unemployment and economic uncertainty continue to drive migration. While some who relocated abroad have achieved financial stability and improved living standards, others continue to struggle with demanding work schedules, expensive accommodation and the pressures of supporting families both overseas and in Nigeria.

Ultimately, analysts say there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the japa debate. Whether a Nigerian is better off at home or abroad depends on several factors, including occupation, income level, family responsibilities, immigration status, location and personal circumstances.

Bwala’s remarks have nevertheless reignited a national conversation about whether the promise of greener pastures abroad matches reality for many Nigerians, or whether success ultimately depends less on geography and more on individual circumstances.