Peller: Lagos Govt Finally Breaks Silence on TikToker’s N36m Tax Outcry
- Popular TikTok star Peller shocked fans after disclosing that he was handed a staggering N36m tax bill
- Lagos state government has now responded, explaining how taxation works for content creators and digital earners
- The state insisted that every resident who earns legitimately, whether online or offline, must pay their dues
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The Lagos state government has reacted to the outcry of TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, to their action
The streamer had lamented a N36 million tax bill allegedly sent to him by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).
But now, the state government has stepped in with clarification.
Source: Instagram
“Taxation is compulsory” – Lagos Govt
Speaking with The PUNCH, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tax and Revenue, explained that taxation is not targeted at individuals like Peller but applies to everyone earning legitimately in Lagos.
Ogungbo said:
“I need to take a look at this particular case in detail, but generally, the LIRS is empowered by law to assess and give the best judgment on behalf of the government.”
According to him, Section 24 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly mandates every citizen who earns income to declare it honestly and pay tax.
When quizzed on whether online influencers like Peller fall into this bracket, the special adviser noted that new tax reforms already cover digital assets and virtual transactions.
He clarified
“Personal income tax applies regardless of whether you earn physically or virtually. If you live in Lagos and use its infrastructure while making money, you are expected to remit tax to the LIRS—unless you can prove that you already pay tax to another jurisdiction.”
This means that TikTok stars, YouTubers, Instagram influencers, and other online earners are not exempt from taxation simply because their work is digital.
See the video of Peller's outcry
Netizens react to Peller's video
Legit.ng compiled reactions of netizens below
@Blackc_diamond wrote:
"You dey craze, that doesn’t stop you from oaying tax, all of you will be shouting you want Nigeria to be like abroad but y’all don’t want to pay tax home here, but when you get there you will pay tax for everything even to park car self, you’re now coming here to say rubbish"
@PkEbong shared:
"LOL na today when you go online and talk how you are paid in USD and make so much weekly. you think the authorities dont follow abi. seat there."
@charleswelley stated:
"That one shouldn’t be a problem .He must pay tax ,he’s been cashing out with his contents and partner." @Neejizzy1: "During the 30 days rant challenge this fool mocked people and told them not to bring that rubbish to tiktok,lol.Why is he ranting now?"
Source: Instagram
Peller calls out Oshoala
Legit.ng earlier reported that Peller publicly expressed his disappointment at Asisat Oshoala and other members of the Super Falcons.
He accused them of ignoring him after their recent financial reward from the presidency. In a video making the rounds online, Peller alleged that ever since the Falcons’ WAFCON victory bonus landed, a staggering $100,000 each, his messages to the players have gone unanswered.
The content creator suggested that the sudden change in attitude from the players was linked to their newfound windfall. Peller, clearly unimpressed, didn’t hold back on what would happen if the tables were turned.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
