The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has described the suggestion by one Chief Dokun Olumofin, proposing a $500 tourism tax for Nigerians in the Diaspora returning home during the festive “Detty December” period as ill-advised, and potentially exploitative.
In a statement by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the organisation said such a proposal was counter-productive.
It described the advice as counter-productive, and one that would rather discourage than encourage many Nigerians planning to come home
“Such advice will no doubt mitigate efforts of the Diaspora Commission in encouraging the Diasporans to visit home, invite others and invest,” the statement said.
Besides, the remittances of the Diaspora in 2024 alone were the highest so far into the economy, as they have been investing massively in various sectors of the economy, the commission added.
It continued: “The said N54 billion that Lagos hotels alone raked in December 2024, according to a report by an advisory firm, MO Africa Company Limited, is domiciled in the Nigerian economy, so why tax Nigerians coming to their country for various reasons, and promoting their country positively?
“Such advice is also seen by NIDCOM as some sinister move to damage the image and revenue streams of the government, just as its enforcement will equally pave way for corruption.
“For now, the Commission believes that the government does not need to issue direct tax as it is already raking in money through channels of indirect taxes on all visitors through entertainment and other sundry services.
“The role of government in providing critical infrastructure, such as security , and ease of transportation , as seen under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should rather be encouraged and sustained ,while the Diaspora organically continues to return home and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.”
NIDCOM reiterated that government should continue to provide an enabling environment for all, which encourages the Diaspora to come back home for holidays, and invest more in the country.
It also commended the Lagos State government for providing a world class environment for Diasporans and tourists in general, projecting that the numbers will continue to grow, while encouraging all states to do same. Olumofin had, in a formal letter to the President, proposed a $500 tax on all Nigerians and tourists coming home between November and January.
