Presidency Criticises Nigerians Doing Care Home Jobs in UK, Calls It ‘Modern-Day Slavery

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The Presidency has criticised the growing trend of highly educated Nigerians relocating to the United Kingdom to take up low-skilled jobs, describing the situation as a form of “modern-day slavery.”

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, made the remarks during an appearance on The Morayo Podcast Show on Wednesday.

Bwala expressed concern that many Nigerians with first-class degrees, master’s qualifications, and even PhDs are working in care homes, warehouses, and other low-paying jobs abroad despite their academic achievements.

According to him, many Nigerians who believe they are struggling at home may actually be in a better position than those who left the country years ago in search of greener pastures.

He said, “Some Nigerians who think they are suffering are actually better off than their colleagues who travelled abroad five years ago.

“I live in the United Kingdom. A Nigerian who graduated with a first-class or second-class degree goes there, earns another degree, and still ends up working in care homes.

“As far as I’m concerned, that is modern-day slavery. It is even worse than being a housemaid because there are certain things a housemaid would not be expected to do.”

Bwala argued that the reality facing many Nigerian migrants abroad differs significantly from the expectations that often motivate them to leave the country.

Meanwhile, the presidential aide has also criticised Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him of reacting negatively whenever the country records progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a post shared on his 𝕏 account, Bwala alleged that Obi consistently finds fault with positive developments despite seeking to lead the country.

He further claimed that the former Anambra State governor had changed his stance on several major policy issues, including fuel subsidy removal, state policing, and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

According to Bwala, Obi supported these reforms before the 2023 general election but has since become critical of them after they were implemented by the Tinubu administration.