Lagos Government Says TikTok Star Peller Must Pay N36 Million Tax Despite Criticism

The Lagos State Government has confirmed that popular TikTok creator Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, along with others, is required to pay taxes.

This comes after Peller criticized the government for issuing him a N36 million tax bill.

Abdulkabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tax and Revenue, stated on Tuesday that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) operates independently and is responsible for assessing and issuing tax demands on behalf of the government.

Peller, a 20-year-old influencer who rose to fame in 2024, expressed frustration during a livestream with singer Peruzzi, questioning why he was asked to pay such a large sum.

“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? Why will the government take money from me when it has never given me anything, not even TikTok support?” Peller said.

Ogungbo responded, noting that while Peller’s specific case would be reviewed, paying tax remains a civic duty for anyone earning income in Lagos State.

“Anybody who earns legitimately is required by Section 24 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare income honestly and pay tax. While the context and size of this particular case need proper investigation, the principle remains: anyone earning must remit taxes,” he explained.

He also highlighted that recent tax reforms now cover digital creators, virtual transactions, and digital assets.

“Irrespective of whether you earn physically or virtually, once you reside in Lagos and benefit from the state’s infrastructure, you are expected to pay tax here, unless you can prove you are paying to another jurisdiction,” Ogungbo added.

The Special Adviser emphasized that the LIRS operates autonomously but promised to engage with the agency regarding Peller’s case before offering further clarification.

Meanwhile, the LIRS has not officially responded to Peller’s criticisms. Efforts to reach the agency’s Head of Corporate Communications, Monsurat Amasa, on Monday and Tuesday were unsuccessful.