The Lagos State Government has clarified its position on the ongoing controversy surrounding a purported N36 million tax bill allegedly served on TikTok influencer, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tax and Revenue, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, speaking on Tuesday, said the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) remains the only statutory body empowered to assess and determine tax obligations in the state.
This comes after the 20-year-old content creator lamented in a viral livestream with singer Tobechukwu Okoh, popularly known as Peruzzi, claiming that the government was demanding N36 million in tax from him.
Peller, who rose to prominence last year, expressed frustration over what he described as “excessive taxation,” insisting he had received no form of support from the government.
“The task force said I should pay N36m in tax. I swear to Almighty Allah, I don’t have anything. I only came into the limelight last year. Are you, Peruzzi, even paying tax, and how much is it? Why should I pay N36m? What does that even mean? Why will the government take money from me when it has never given me anything, not even TikTok support, let alone help from a task force member?” Peller lamented during the live session.
Reacting, Ogungbo said he would investigate the specifics of Peller’s claim but stressed that all individuals who earn an income legitimately are constitutionally required to pay tax.
He said: “I need to take a look at this particular context in question. But generally, the LIRS is an autonomous body saddled with the responsibility of assessing and giving the best judgment on behalf of the government. We may need to engage the LIRS as an office to know about this particular case.
“But within the context of personal income, anybody who is legitimately earning, Section 24 of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that when you earn your living and income legitimately, you are meant to declare that honestly to the authorities. So the context around the size, the quantum and what have you, needs to be properly investigated.”
On whether content creators fall under tax obligations, Ogungbo explained that new reforms already cover digital earnings and virtual transactions.
“From the context of personal income tax, irrespective of location, either virtually or physically, you’re meant to remit your tax to the approved authority, which is the LIRS. If you earn honestly here and there is no proof that you pay the same tax elsewhere, then you’re bound to remit your tax here,” he stated.
He further noted that residency and usage of state infrastructure determine tax liability, adding that digital entrepreneurs and influencers are not exempt.
Ogungbo, however, emphasised that the LIRS would provide clarity on the matter as it operates autonomously in handling taxation.
As at press time, the LIRS had not issued any official response to Peller’s criticism. Calls and messages to its Head of Corporate Communications, Monsurat Amasa, went unanswered.
