A senior strategic supply chain manager at the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, Abimbola Oluwasona, has urged Nigerians to carefully evaluate their circumstances before relocating abroad. Speaking in an interview with Punch, the logistics specialist noted that people must weigh the actual benefits to their careers, finances, and families rather than assuming life overseas is automatically better.
Oluwasona explained that prospective migrants need to consider the high cost of living in countries like the UK, where expenses such as electricity, gas, and rent take a significant portion of earnings. He stated that individuals should question whether stepping down from established professional roles at home to take up lower-level work abroad is truly worth the move. According to him, personal situations differ, and anyone seeking to travel must have a clear plan regarding employment and long-term prospects.
Reflecting on his personal path, Oluwasona said he had lived in the UK for decades but did not initially plan to leave Nigeria. Before moving, he enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle in Victoria Island, Lagos, and had built an active career in the local information technology sector during the era of dial-up internet services. He eventually agreed to travel after his wife suggested the idea, taking a study leave sabbatical from his Nigerian employer during his first year in Britain.
After relocating, Oluwasona enlisted in the British Army and used his information technology background to transition into logistics and inventory forecasting. He explained that technical skills such as software development and computer networking proved vital in managing modern defence supply chains.
Beyond his civil service duties, Oluwasona was honoured as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his voluntary community work. His contributions in the UK include mentoring young people, serving on governing boards across several schools, and advocating for opportunities for Black communities within defence services.
