Peller Lagos tax issue surfaces as TikTok influencer questions N36m bill; Lagos government stresses legitimate income must be taxed under LIRS guidelines

Peller Lagos tax issue has stirred debate after TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, claimed he received a N36 million tax demand from the Lagos State Government.

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In a viral livestream with singer Peruzzi, the 20-year-old content creator lamented: “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… Why should I pay N36m?”

The Lagos State Government, through the Special Adviser on Tax and Revenue, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, clarified that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) makes the best judgment on all taxation matters.

Ogungbo noted that anyone legitimately earning within the state is obliged to declare and remit their income tax.

“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,” Ogungbo said.

He added that the state is reviewing reforms guiding digital assets and virtual transactions, which are relevant to online content creators.

Ogungbo explained that personal income tax applies to all residents earning legitimately, whether virtually or physically.

“If your income is earned here virtually or online and you reside in Lagos, you are bound to remit your tax here,” he said.

The LIRS has yet to respond directly to Peller’s criticisms. Monsurat Amasa, the LIRS Head of Corporate Communications, did not reply to inquiries sent by our correspondent over the past week.

Also read: Peller blames academic failure on parents’ divorce in emotional chat

As digital content creation becomes a growing source of income for young Nigerians, the Peller Lagos tax issue highlights the ongoing discussion about taxation, virtual earnings, and compliance with state regulations.