Lagos Government Insists TikTok Star Peller Must Pay N36 Million Tax

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

This statement comes after Peller criticized a N36 million tax bill reportedly issued to him by the government.

Abdulkabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tax and Revenue, said in a Tuesday statement that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) is an independent body responsible for assessing and issuing tax obligations on behalf of the government.

Peller, a 20-year-old influencer who rose to fame in 2024, expressed outrage during a livestream with singer Peruzzi, questioning why he was being 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 case would be reviewed, paying taxes is 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. So while the specifics of this case need proper investigation, the principle remains that anyone earning must remit taxes,” he explained.

On taxation for digital creators, Ogungbo highlighted that recent reforms now cover 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 in another jurisdiction,” he said.

He also emphasized that the LIRS operates with autonomy and efficiency but promised to liaise with the agency regarding Peller’s situation before offering further clarification.

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