The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has kicked against a proposal to impose a $500 tax on Nigerians returning to the country at the end of the year and tourists coming to seek fun in what is called Detty December.
One Chief Dokun Olumofin had tabled the proposal before President Bola Tinubu after multiple reports suggested that a good sum of foreign exchange was made last December when Nigerians in diaspora and some foreigners came to the country.
In a statement by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, criticised the proposal, saying it will discourage diasporans from visiting the country and investing in it.
He said NiDCOM sees the proposal as some sinister move to damage the image and revenue streams of the government just as its enforcement will equally pave the way for corruption.
“Besides, the remittances of the diaspora in 2024 alone were the highest so far into the economy; they have been investing massively in various sectors of the economy.
“The said N54bn 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?” he stated.
He urged the government to focus on creating an enabling environment that fosters tourism and investment.
“NiDCOM reiterates that the 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,” Balogun advised.
