TikTok Star Peller Cries Out Over N36 Million Tax Demand From Lagos State Government
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Popular Nigerian TikTok sensation, Peller, has publicly voiced his frustration over what he describes as an excessive and unrealistic tax demand from the Lagos State Government. The content creator, who gained mainstream recognition only last year, revealed during a recent Instagram livestream with music star Peruzzi that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) had issued him a bill to pay N36 million as personal income tax.

“I Just Came Into the Limelight Last Year” – Peller Speaks Out

In an emotionally charged tone, Peller told his audience that the massive tax bill took him completely by surprise, as he has not accumulated the level of wealth the authorities appear to be assuming.

“Taskforce said I should pay N36 million for tax. I don’t have anything. I just came into the limelight last year,” Peller lamented.

The influencer further expressed dismay that despite his contributions to the entertainment space and his growing online audience, the government has never provided him with any form of support or benefit. He hinted that the tax demand may be linked to the perception of his wealth based on his social media presence.

Peruzzi’s Response – “Pay Your Taxes”

Responding during the live session, singer Peruzzi offered a contrasting perspective, emphasising the civic duty of paying taxes as a Nigerian resident.

“Why haven’t you paid your taxes? Do you know you’re supposed to pay tax as a Nigerian? Do you know how much I pay as tax? I won’t mention it here but it’s more than the tax bill they gave you,” Peruzzi stated.

The Majesty crooner further cautioned that failing to settle the bill could have legal consequences, including possible imprisonment. He urged Peller to open a dialogue with the tax authorities and negotiate an extension or payment plan.

The Social Media Income Factor

Peller insisted that the tax bill was unfair, pointing out that his earnings come strictly from his social media content and not from any Nigerian-based enterprise. He also suggested that the LIRS assessment might have been influenced by his public display of assets and the disclosure of his TikTok earnings during previous broadcasts.

The content creator maintained that the figure demanded was unrealistic compared to his actual income, reiterating that he was still navigating the challenges of sustaining his newfound fame.

Growing Tension Between Nigerian Creators and Tax Authorities

The incident has reignited public debate over taxation of digital content creators in Nigeria, especially those earning from foreign platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. In recent years, state governments, particularly Lagos State, have stepped up efforts to collect taxes from influencers, entertainers, and online entrepreneurs, often sparking controversy over assessment methods and fairness.

While the law requires all residents earning income—whether online or offline—to pay tax, critics argue that tax bodies frequently overestimate the earnings of young creators based solely on their perceived lifestyle.

The Road Ahead for Peller

As the situation stands, Peller faces the challenge of either contesting the N36 million tax bill through the formal appeals process or finding a way to comply without crippling his finances. Peruzzi’s advice to negotiate for more time may be his most immediate lifeline, but the broader question remains: how can Nigerian tax authorities balance fair revenue collection with the realities of the digital entertainment industry?

For now, Peller’s case serves as a stark reminder to Nigeria’s rising online stars—visibility often comes with heightened scrutiny, especially from the taxman.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org