By Roy Ofori, African Heritage – Global Affairs Editor
The ongoing debate surrounding Nigeria’s proposed diaspora tax has continued to generate strong reactions among Nigerians living abroad, particularly in Europe. In Germany, these concerns have found a receptive and principled hearing from Hon. Irene Appiah, a Member of the Hamburg Parliament, who has publicly acknowledged the democratic, legal, and human rights implications raised by Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora (CND) and partners within the African Diaspora Conference–Diaspora Network (ADC-DN).
In a formal response to a detailed letter submitted by diaspora groups, Hon. Appiah underscored the seriousness of the issues at stake, especially the tension between taxation and political representation. At the heart of the matter lies a fundamental democratic principle: the legitimacy of taxation is closely tied to representation, voting rights, and access to legal remedies. Where these elements are absent or weak, fiscal policies risk undermining trust, accountability, and the rule of law.
Hon. Appiah explicitly recognized the depth of concern expressed by Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that taxation without corresponding political rights and institutional safeguards raises legitimate questions from both a democratic governance and human rights perspective. She acknowledged fears that implementing fiscal measures without robust oversight could lead to unequal treatment, abuse of power, and further alienation of diaspora communities who already navigate complex transnational identities and obligations.
Importantly, her response situates the diaspora tax debate within a broader context of Nigeria’s internal challenges, including security concerns and the capacity of state institutions to guarantee legal protection. From a rule-of-law standpoint, she emphasized that any policy affecting citizens whether resident at home or abroad must be anchored in transparency, accountability, and access to justice.
Hon. Appiah reaffirmed her responsibility to listen to and engage with the concerns of people living in Hamburg and Germany, particularly when those concerns touch on universal democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. Within this framework, she committed to understanding the diaspora’s objections as part of a broader and legitimate political debate that transcends national borders.
She further emphasized that questions surrounding diaspora representation, access to legal protection, and transparency in state action must be addressed at appropriate national and international levels. These include engagement with the German federal government, European institutions, and multilateral human rights mechanisms. Such forums, she noted, are essential for ensuring that transnational policies adhere to minimum democratic and legal standards.
Crucially, Hon. Appiah welcomed continued dialogue with diaspora organizations, viewing their letter as a constructive starting point for deeper discussion on the evolving role of diaspora communities. She highlighted the dual importance of diasporas to both their countries of origin and their host societies, stressing that sustainable solutions can only emerge through open political dialogue, institutional reform, and a shared commitment to transparency.
Her response represents a notable example of responsible democratic engagement: one that balances respect for national sovereignty with a principled concern for human rights and democratic norms. For Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those in Germany, this acknowledgment offers moral and political support.
As the Nigeria diaspora tax debate continues to unfold, voices like Hon. Irene Appiah’s reinforce the importance of raising concerns through peaceful, organized, and principled advocacy. They also highlight the growing relevance of diaspora communities in global governance conversations, where taxation, representation, and rights increasingly intersect across borders.
In recognizing these concerns and encouraging continued engagement, Hon. Appiah has contributed meaningfully to keeping the issue within the realm of democratic discourse. Her stance sends a clear message: while solutions may be complex and jurisdictionally constrained, the principles of representation, rule of law, and human dignity remain universal and non-negotiable.
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