The Lagos State Government has commenced legal action against 45 corporate organisations and individuals over alleged tax liabilities running into billions of naira, in a renewed push to enforce compliance and recover outstanding revenues.
The cases, filed before the state’s Revenue Court, target persistent defaulters who have allegedly failed to meet their tax obligations despite repeated notices.
Among those listed in the suite is Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, which is said to owe N38.7 million.
Other prominent firms named include GMT Energy Resources Limited, with liabilities exceeding N145.8 million, and Sheriff Deputies Limited, owing over N132.1 million.
Also dragged before the court are 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, among others.
Speaking on the development, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the move followed the failure of the affected entities to respond to several demand notices.
He explained that while individual tax debts range between N13.5 million and N35 million, corporate bodies account for the larger portion of the outstanding liabilities.
Pedro noted that the government resorted to litigation after defaulters failed to regularise their tax status or take advantage of available compliance windows.
He added that the enforcement drive is part of broader efforts to boost the state’s internally generated revenue for infrastructure development and the provision of essential public services.
The Attorney-General, however, clarified that taxpayers who complied with pre-action notices and settled their debts would not face prosecution.
He urged residents and business owners to comply with tax laws by filing annual returns and paying assessments promptly, warning that continued default would attract penalties, interest, and legal action.
