Lagos State Government has initiated legal proceedings against 45 individuals and corporate entities for allegedly failing to pay taxes amounting to billions of naira. The lawsuits have been filed in the state’s revenue court as part of a broader strategy to enforce compliance with tax regulations and bolster government revenue.
Among the companies facing litigation are Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two; DAAR Communications Plc, owners of Africa Independent Television; and Leaders & Company Limited, publishers of ThisDay newspaper. Bi-Courtney reportedly owes N38.7 million, DAAR Communications N22.4 million, and Leaders & Company Limited N67.1 million in unpaid taxes.
Brandspur Politics reports that other notable defaulters include GMT Energy Resources Limited with over N145.8 million in arrears and Sheriff Deputies Limited with N132.1 million outstanding. Additional firms named in the court filings include Heyden Petroleum Limited, AA Rescue, Primero Transport Services Limited, IENG Nigeria Limited, James Fisher Nigeria Limited, V Care Diagnostics Limited, Venture Garden Nigeria Limited, Saro Africa International Limited, and Barry Callebaut Nigeria Limited.
Media and technology firms such as Native Media Limited, First Consulting Media & Centre Limited, and Eyowo Integrated Payments also feature among the defaulters. The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, stated that the government resorted to court action after repeated notices to settle tax obligations went unheeded. He emphasised that individuals owing between N13.5 million and N35 million are included, but corporate organisations account for the majority of outstanding liabilities.
Pedro added that taxpayers who comply with pre-action notices and clear their dues will not face prosecution. He urged residents and business operators to regularly file tax returns and settle assessments promptly, warning that continued non-compliance could attract penalties, accruing interest, and further legal consequences.
This enforcement drive is part of Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to improve tax compliance, strengthen revenue generation, and fund critical infrastructure and public services across the state.
