‘Detty December’: NiDCOM Rejects $500 Tourism Tax Proposal

• NiDCOM expresses displeasure stating that it is pathetic to note that while the world is lowering barriers to get more inflows and tourists into their country and economy, Chief Olumofin is suggesting increasing costs and raising barriers for Nigeria.
• NiDCOM Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the suggestion by Chief Dokun Olumofin as “ill-advised” and “potentially exploitative.”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has vehemently opposed a proposal to impose a $500 tourism tax on Nigerians in the diaspora returning home during the festive “Detty December” period.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that NiDCOM Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the suggestion by Chief Dokun Olumofin as “ill-advised” and “potentially exploitative.”

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In a statement, Balogun emphasized that such a tax would be counterproductive and likely discourage Nigerians from visiting their homeland, thereby undermining NiDCOM’s ongoing efforts to promote investment and tourism.

He highlighted the importance of diaspora remittances, which reached record highs in 2024, and the significant contributions made by Nigerians abroad to various sectors of the economy.

NiDCOM argued that the reported N54 billion generated by Lagos hotels in December 2024, as indicated by advisory firm MO Africa Company Limited, demonstrates the economic benefits brought by diaspora visitors.

The Commission asserts that imposing additional taxes on Nigerians returning home may harm the government’s reputation and lead to potential corruption in its enforcement.

NiDCOM encourages the government to capitalize on the indirect taxes generated through entertainment and other services.

The Commission highlights the positive strides made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in improving critical infrastructure and security, which are crucial factors in promoting diaspora engagement.

Additionally, NIDCOM applauds the Lagos State government for cultivating a world-class environment that appeals to both diasporans and tourists, resulting in increased visitation and investment. The Commission calls on other states to follow suit and urges the nation to prepare for continued growth in the tourism and entertainment sectors.

NiDCOM expresses displeasure stating that it is pathetic to note that while the world is lowering barriers to get more inflows and tourists into their country and economy, Chief Olumofin is suggesting increasing costs and raising barriers for Nigeria.

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In a formal letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olumofin argued for the implementation of this tax for Nigerians coming home between November and December, which NiDCOM believes would be exploitative and potentially harmful to the nation’s economic growth.