The Lagos State Government has begun legal proceedings against 45 individuals and companies over alleged tax defaults amounting to billions of naira.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), stated in a Monday release that the defendants were recently arraigned before the Lagos Revenue Court to recover outstanding tax liabilities assessed by the state.
Some of the notable liabilities include Chidi Ajaere Emmanuel, N35.4 million; Ifeanyi Uzoaru, N13.5 million; Mrs. Olufunmilola Abe, N30.7 million; and IENG Nigeria Ltd., N67.1 million. Other companies include James Fisher Nig. Ltd. (N27.1 million), V Care Diagnostics Ltd. (N14.2 million), Venture Garden Nig. Ltd. (N72.3 million), and Doheney Service (N14.3 million).
Additionally, Native Media Ltd. owes N24.1 million and N3.5 million; Saro Africa Int. Ltd., N24.5 million; Sheriff Deputies Ltd., N132.2 million; GMT Energy Resources Ltd., N145.9 million; and Barry Callebaut Nig. Ltd., N33.5 million, among others.
Pedro noted that some defaulters who had previously received pre-action notices have since settled their liabilities and will no longer face prosecution. He warned taxpayers to adhere strictly to tax laws, including filing annual returns and paying assessed amounts, emphasizing that noncompliance could lead to penalties, interest, and legal action.
