The Lagos State Government has initiated legal proceedings against 45 individuals and corporate entities over alleged unpaid taxes amounting to several billions of naira, in a renewed push to enforce compliance with tax regulations.
The cases have been filed before the state’s revenue court, targeting both high-profile organisations and other businesses accused of failing to meet their statutory tax obligations despite multiple notices.
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.
According to official figures, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services is alleged to owe ₦38.7 million, while DAAR Communications Plc has an outstanding liability of ₦22.4 million. Leaders & Company Limited is also accused of owing ₦67.1 million in unpaid taxes.
Other major defaulters include GMT Energy Resources Limited, with liabilities exceeding ₦145.8 million, and Sheriff Deputies Limited, which reportedly owes over ₦132.1 million.
Additional companies named in the filings include Heyden Petroleum Limited, AA Rescue, Primero Transport Services Limited, Venture Garden Nigeria Limited, Saro Africa International Limited, and Barry Callebaut Nigeria Limited, among others.
Media and fintech firms such as Native Media Limited, First Consulting Media & Centre Limited, and Eyowo Integrated Payments were also listed as defendants.
Speaking on the development, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, said the legal action followed repeated pre-action notices served on the affected parties, which were ignored.
He noted that while individual liabilities range between approximately ₦13.5 million and ₦35 million, corporate entities account for the bulk of the outstanding debts.
Pedro explained that the government resorted to litigation after the defaulters failed to regularise their tax status or settle their obligations within the stipulated timeframe.
He added that the enforcement drive forms part of broader efforts to strengthen tax compliance and boost internally generated revenue needed to fund infrastructure and essential public services across the state.
The Attorney-General, however, clarified that taxpayers who responded to pre-action notices and cleared their debts would not face prosecution.
He 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.
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