Nigerians have been reacting to a suggestion by a Diasporan Nigerian, Chief Dokun Olumofin, that Nigerians in Diaspora who are returning home during the Christmas period should be taxed $500.
The period christened ‘Detty December’ is a time when many Nigerians, who live in foreign land visit home to meet and interact with their friends and relatives. It is a period between the middle of December to New Year; a festive period that brings Diasporan Nigerians back home in their numbers.
He is of the view that such a tax would boost the revenue base of the country. His position is given credence by MO Africa Company Limited; an advisory firm’s recent reports that Lagos hotels raked in a staggering N54 billion in December 2024.
Olumofin, who strongly believes that the government can take advantage of the period to generate revenue, had 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.