“Many Nigerians who Japa to the UK are living like modern-day slaves” – Daniel Bwala
Senior Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has claimed that many Nigerians who relocated to the United Kingdom in search of greener pastures are now facing harsh economic realities despite their academic qualifications.
Speaking during an interview on The Morayo Show, Bwala argued that many highly educated Nigerians abroad are working jobs that do not reflect their qualifications, describing the situation as “modern-day slavery.”
According to him, several Nigerians with master’s degrees and PhDs now work in care homes and warehouses, where they are supervised by people with fewer educational qualifications simply because they are UK citizens.
“Some of you in Nigeria who think you’re suffering are better off than your colleagues who relocated to the UK five years ago. Many of them have master’s degrees and PhDs, yet they’re working in care homes. To me, that’s modern-day slavery,” he said.
Bwala further claimed that although many Nigerians in the UK earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, a significant portion of their income goes toward rent, utility bills, transportation and other living expenses.
He argued that the high cost of living forces many to take on multiple jobs just to survive, leaving them with little savings despite living in a country with better infrastructure and public services.
The presidential aide added that while Nigerians abroad may enjoy access to quality healthcare and other social amenities, many still struggle financially and are unable to achieve long-term goals such as owning a home or buying a car.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that life abroad is often more difficult than many imagine, while others argued that the opportunities and quality of life still outweigh the challenges.
Watch the video below…
“Some of you in Nigeria who think you are suffering, you are better off than your colleagues that japa’d 5 years ago… Do you know majority of them where they are working? Care homes. As far as I am concerned, it’s modern day slavery.”
– Presidential Spokesperson, Daniel Bwala pic.twitter.com/Y1CCzIz4BW
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) July 8, 2026