Market News

By Sunday Dennis

Lagos State Government has commenced legal action against 45 individuals and corporate entities over alleged unpaid taxes running into several billions of naira.

The cases have been filed before the state’s revenue court as part of efforts to enforce compliance with tax laws.

Among those listed in the suits are Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two; DAAR Communications Plc, owners of Africa Independent Television; and Leaders & Company Limited, publishers of ThisDay newspaper.

According to official figures, Bi-Courtney is alleged to owe N38,701,954.25, while DAAR Communications has an outstanding liability of N22,433,482.48. Leaders & Company Limited is also accused of owing N67,092,836.87 in unpaid taxes.

Other organisations identified as major defaulters include GMT Energy Resources Limited, with liabilities exceeding N145.8 million, and Sheriff Deputies Limited, with over N132.1 million in outstanding obligations.

The list further includes companies such as Heyden Petroleum Limited, AA Rescue, and Primero Transport Services Limited, along with several others owing varying amounts.

Additional firms named in the court filings are IENG Nigeria Limited, James Fisher Nigeria Limited, V Care Diagnostics Limited, Venture Garden Nigeria Limited, Saro Africa International Limited, and Barry Callebaut Nigeria Limited, among others.

Media and technology firms, including Native Media Limited, First Consulting Media & Centre Limited, and Eyowo Integrated Payments, were also listed as defendants.

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, said the decision to initiate legal proceedings followed repeated notices served on the affected parties, which were not complied with.

He explained that while individual liabilities range between approximately N13.5 million and N35 million, corporate organisations account for the bulk of the outstanding amounts.

Pedro stated that the government resorted to litigation after the taxpayers failed to meet their statutory obligations or take advantage of opportunities to regularise their tax status.

He added that the enforcement drive is part of broader efforts by the state to strengthen tax compliance and boost revenue needed to fund infrastructure and essential public services.

According to him, taxpayers who responded to pre-action notices and cleared their outstanding obligations would not face prosecution.

The Attorney-General urged residents and business operators to comply with tax laws by filing annual returns and settling assessments promptly, warning that continued default could attract penalties, interest, and further legal action.