The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has firmly rejected a proposal by Chief Dokun Olumofin to impose a $500 tourism tax on Nigerians in the diaspora returning home during the festive "Detty December" season. The Commission described the suggestion as ill-advised, exploitative, and detrimental to national interests.
In a statement issued by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, the Commission emphasized that such a tax would discourage diaspora engagement and undermine efforts to encourage Nigerians abroad to return, invest, and promote the country positively.
NIDCOM highlighted that diaspora remittances in 2024 reached record levels, contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy. The Commission also referenced a report from MO Africa Company Limited, which revealed that Lagos hotels alone generated N54 billion in December 2024. These contributions, NIDCOM argued, are evidence of the immense value Nigerians in the diaspora bring to the economy, making the proposed tax unnecessary and harmful.
The Commission further noted that the government already benefits from indirect taxes through various entertainment and tourism-related services. Instead of imposing barriers, NIDCOM urged the government to focus on providing critical infrastructure, security, and transportation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda to create a more welcoming environment for returning Nigerians.
Commending the Lagos State government for its efforts in creating a world-class environment for tourists and diaspora visitors, NIDCOM encouraged other states to follow suit to attract more visitors and investments. The statement concluded by criticizing Chief Olumofin's proposal as a potential avenue for corruption and an attack on Nigeria’s image and economic growth.
NIDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an enabling environment that encourages Nigerians abroad to visit and invest in their homeland, stating that lowering barriers is the key to sustained growth and development.
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