Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has ignited a firestorm on social media after asserting that a Nigerian earning ₦60,000 monthly may enjoy a better quality of life than someone earning £2,600 to £2,800 in the United Kingdom. The comments, made during an appearance on The Morayo Afolabi Brown Show, have been met with widespread criticism, with one user labeling Nigerian politicians as 'intellectually poor.'
Bwala's Argument: High UK Costs vs Nigerian Support Systems
Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, argued that many Nigerians abroad face unexpected financial pressures. 'When they go there and do a job, on average they earn about £2,600 or £2,800 a month,' he said. '£2,450 goes off. You pay power, internet, TV, rent. When you put them together, rent alone is about 800.' He claimed that after expenses, little remains, forcing many to work multiple jobs.
In contrast, Bwala suggested that a Nigerian earning ₦60,000 benefits from local support networks. 'That 60,000, at least Auntie Abike can loan you money. Uncle Soso and Soso can support you,' he stated. He also noted that social service costs in Nigeria are 'almost zero' compared to the UK, and that while a Nigerian may struggle to buy a house or car, a UK resident might not afford a car for 20 years.
'Modern-Day Slavery' Claim Adds Fuel
Bwala described the situation of Nigerian graduates working in UK care homes and warehouses as 'modern-day slavery.' He recounted a friend's experience in a warehouse where Nigerian PhD and master's degree holders worked under a supervisor without a secondary school certificate. 'A Nigerian that finished with first class or second class, now moves to the UK and then adds another degree. You know the majority of them where they are working? Care homes,' he said.
However, social media users aggressively countered his stance. One user wrote: 'This guy is not a normal human being somebody earning 60k in Nija where you hardly see stable power... while in UK citizens enjoy alot from their government.' Another calculated: '60,000 Naira monthly salary is just 2hrs pay after tax/NI in UK.'
Fuel Cost Comparison Highlights Disparity
A user compared fuel costs: 'In Nigeria you need 50k to fill a Toyota Corolla. In UK you need just about £80 out of £2,600 to fill the same car.' Others pointed out that UK residents benefit from superior infrastructure, healthcare, security, public transport, and social services—benefits many believe cannot be matched by ₦60,000 in Nigeria.
Bwala defended the Tinubu administration, citing healthcare initiatives like a 50% subsidy on dialysis and free Caesarean sections. But the backlash persisted, with many calling his comparison out of touch with Nigerian realities.
