The Lagos State Government has begun prosecuting 45 individuals and companies for alleged tax defaults totalling ₦1.9 billion in unpaid liabilities.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), confirmed the prosecutions in a statement, noting that the defendants were arraigned before the Lagos Revenue Court to recover outstanding taxes assessed by the state.
Among those listed are prominent names and firms with significant liabilities: Chidi Ajaere Emmanuel (₦35.4 million), Ifeanyi Uzoaru (₦13.5 million), Mrs. Olufunmilola Abe (₦30.7 million), IENG Nigeria Ltd. (₦67.1 million)
Also listed are Venture Garden Nig. Ltd. (₦72.3 million), Sheriff Deputies Ltd. (₦132.2 million), GMT Energy Resources Ltd. (₦145.9 million), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services (₦38.7 million), Heyden Petroleum Ltd. (₦33.2 million),
Others are Barry Callebaut Nig. Ltd. (₦33.5 million), Funds & Electronics Transfer (₦97.8 million), and Raybond Technical Ltd. (₦61.8 million).
The combined liabilities of all 45 defendants total ₦1,893,800,000 (₦1.9 billion), indicating the scale of the unpaid taxes Lagos seeks to recover.
Pedro noted that several defaulters who had received pre-action notices have since paid their dues and will not face prosecution.
He urged taxpayers to comply with state tax laws, stressing that failure to file annual returns or pay assessed liabilities attracts penalties, interest, and possible prosecution.
“This is not only about compliance—it is about impartiality,” Pedro said. “Taxes finance public services, and when individuals or companies refuse to pay, the burden falls on law-abiding citizens.”