By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerian-British entrepreneur Keji Giwa is facing widespread backlash after a recent interview in which he reportedly said, “I want every Nigerian in the U.K. deported and their visas denied,” BlackBox Nigeria has learnt.
In a video clip obtained by BlackBox Nigeria, the comment made among his statement responding to questions on brain-drain in Nigeria, has since gone viral across social media platforms.
It has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, with many describing the statement as extreme and selfishness.
Giwa, a tech and real estate investor born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, is the founder of Digital Bananas Technology and the CEO of Digital Landlords. He is also known for developing Giwa Gardens, a major leisure and tourism project in Lagos. His background as a diaspora entrepreneur with strong business ties to both Nigeria and the United Kingdom has made the remarks even more controversial.
Following circulation of the interview clip on X posted by instablog9ja, users flooded comment sections with criticism.
Some Nigerians argued that millions of Nigerians living legally in the UK are contributing significantly to healthcare, technology, finance and education sectors. Others described the statement as a sweeping generalisation that unfairly targets people at their desperate level.
“I watched this clip waiting to see the end part… and that was it. He said exactly what he meant. Some people are so self‑centred that everything must revolve around their own convenience. You want Nigerians to “come back” so you can pay them lower wages and keep control, let’s call it what it is. No wonder Scripture says some prayers are an abomination. When the heart is wrong, the request will always expose it,” oluwaseun akinlawon wrote.
Another user, The love below, criticized harshly on the intent behind major foreign investor setting up business in Nigeria is to pay less while they earn more.
“The only reason people with foreign capital setup businesses here is the fact they can take advantage of lower wages. It’s a thing taught in business school. It’s not a hidden trick”.
While criticism has dominated online conversations, a smaller number of commentators suggested Giwa may have been speaking metaphorically or out of frustration about the loss of his staff to issues relating to migration, leaving him with lesser brain for his enterprise.
With reactions continuing to pour in, attention is now turning to whether Giwa will clarify his position amid mounting pressure from Nigerians at home and abroad.
