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A proposal by Chief Dokun Olumofin to impose a $500 tourism tax on Nigerians in Diaspora returning home during the Christmas period has sparked mixed reactions.
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NIDCOM has rejected the proposal, describing it as ill-advised, counter-productive, and potentially exploitative.
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Some Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinions on the proposal.
A proposal by Chief Dokun Olumofin to impose a $500 tourism tax on Nigerians in Diaspora returning home during the Christmas period has brewed mixed reactions.
Olumofin, in a formal letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, outlined how the initiative could significantly benefit the nation’s finances.
According to his proposal, imposing the tax on returning Diasporans between November 25 and January 5 could raise as much as $125 million, or approximately N240 billion.
He noted that such revenues could be channeled into positioning Nigeria as a global destination for festive celebrations.
“This letter outlines a significant opportunity for Nigeria to generate considerable revenue-potentially up to $125 million, approximately N240 billion, based on an estimated contribution of $500 from 250,000 projected returnees,” Olumofin said.
However, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has rejected the proposal, describing it as ill-advised, counter-productive, and potentially exploitative.
“Such advice will, no doubt, mitigate efforts of the Diaspora Commission in encouraging the Diasporans to visit home, invite others and invest,” NIDCOM said in a statement.
The statement emphasized that such an advice would discourage rather than encourage many Nigerians planning to come home.
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“The N54 billion that Lagos hotels alone raked in December 2024, is domiciled in the Nigerian economy, so why tax Nigerians coming to their country for various reasons and promoting their country positively?” NIDCOM asked.
Some Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinions on the proposal. While some support it as a means of generating revenue for the government, others have condemned it as unfair and discouraging.
“I kind of support the $500 tax on Nigerians in Diaspora coming to Nigeria for ‘Detty December.’ It will increase the government’s revenue, thereby making more money available for infrastructural development in the country,” said Ekeji Giwa, a social media user.
On the other hand, Zanzone Jr, another Facebook user, said: “The $500 tax is too quick. The tourism industry in Nigeria is still growing, so such a proposal should tarry awhile.”
A Canada-based lawyer, Zacheus Afolabi, also condemned the proposal, saying it would only discourage a lot of Nigerians from coming home during the Christmas period.
“This proposal is dead on arrival. The government said it is considering it, but if you ask me, I would say that the government should throw such suggestions away straight off,” Afolabi said.
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