The Lagos State Government has responded to claims made by popular TikToker and content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, regarding a N36 million tax bill allegedly issued to him by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).
In a widely shared video from a livestream with singer Peruzzi, the 20-year-old influencer voiced his frustration.
“The task force said I should pay N36 million in tax. I swear to Almighty Allah, I don’t have anything. I only became popular last year. Why should I be charged N36 million? The government hasn’t supported me not even on TikTok so why demand this?”
Reacting to the controversy, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tax and Revenue, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, clarified that LIRS operates independently and is responsible for fair tax assessments.
“The LIRS is an autonomous body responsible for making the best judgment on tax matters. Anyone earning income legitimately within Lagos is expected to pay tax, as required under Section 24 of the Nigerian Constitution,” Ogungbo told The PUNCH.
While he acknowledged the need to review Peller’s specific case, he emphasized that tax obligations apply to all residents earning income, whether from physical or virtual work.
“Whether you earn online or offline, if you reside in Lagos and use its infrastructure, you’re expected to pay taxes here unless you can prove you already pay tax in another jurisdiction,” he added.
Regarding taxation in the digital economy, Ogungbo noted that recent reforms now cover digital assets and virtual income streams.
“Content creators and digital entrepreneurs are not exempt. The law requires that income from any legitimate activity virtual or not must be taxed appropriately.”
As of the time of this report, the LIRS has not publicly responded to Peller’s claims. Efforts to reach the LIRS’ Head of Corporate Communications, Monsurat Amasa, were unsuccessful.
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