Ezendigbo: Europe Drains Us—Fixing Nigeria Can Reverse the Outflow

 

Former presidential aspirant, Chief CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, has raised concerns about the staggering cost of living for Nigerians residing in Europe, warning that the multiple bills paid by foreigners abroad are 'choking' and could be redirected toward national development, if Nigeria were fixed.

In an exclusive conversation, Ezendigbo lamented the financial burden borne by many Nigerians in the diaspora, describing it as a direct consequence of Nigeria’s enduring socio-economic dysfunction. He argued that the money spent by Nigerian migrants abroad, on what would otherwise be basic necessities, could instead be used to stimulate development at home, if the right policies and governance structures were in place.

“Every month, we are paying for rent, electricity, gas, water, internet, phone lines, waste collection, even TV licenses in some countries. Add to that compulsory health insurance, transportation passes, and, for those with cars, road tax, fuel, and insurance,” Ezendigbo said.

 “And let’s not forget resident permit fees, school charges for children, or language and integration classes. These are non-negotiable in many parts of Europe. The bills are choking,” he emphasized.

He noted that while many of these costs reflect the standard infrastructure of developed nations, they expose the deep contrast between systems that work and those that don't. According to him, most Nigerians would gladly return home or invest heavily in the country if Nigeria could offer basic services in exchange for their hard-earned money.

 “Imagine if half of what we spend trying to survive abroad went into Nigeria’s education, healthcare, roads, or electricity sectors. We would have a better country in no time. But people pay in Europe because the system works. There is trust and accountability,” he said.

Ezendigbo argued that this outflow of resources underscores the urgency of fixing Nigeria, through leadership that is people-oriented, reforms that tackle hardship, and institutions that deliver on public expectations.

 “People don't leave home because they want to. They leave because home has failed them. Fix Nigeria, and you'll watch billions return, through human capital, remittances, and investments. But first, fix it,” he concluded.

His remarks echo growing sentiments among diaspora communities who, while contributing billions of dollars annually to Nigeria through remittances, continue to grapple with the reality of high living costs and limited economic opportunity back home.