Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator, Peller, has raised concerns over what he describes as an “unreasonable and crushing” tax bill from the Lagos State Government. According to the social media star, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has asked him to pay a staggering ₦36 million in income tax — barely a year after he rose to fame on the short-video platform.
Peller made the revelation during a recent livestream alongside Afropop singer Peruzzi, where he expressed shock and frustration at the demand.
“Taskforce said I should pay ₦36 million for tax. I don’t have anything. I just came into the limelight last year,” he lamented to viewers.
During the livestream, Peruzzi expressed surprise at Peller’s unpaid tax status and urged him to settle the bill to avoid possible legal consequences.
“Why haven’t you paid your taxes? Do you know you’re supposed to pay tax as a Nigerian? I won’t mention how much I pay as tax, but it’s more than the bill they gave you,” the singer told him.
However, Peller maintained that the amount was not only excessive but also disconnected from his actual earnings.
“The government has never given me anything during my TikTok lives. They’re taxing me because I showed my assets and mentioned my income,” he claimed.
Peller further argued that most of his earnings come from international fans and brand partnerships, not from within Nigeria, and therefore questioned the fairness of the levy.
The controversy comes amid an ongoing debate about digital economy taxation in Nigeria. Over the past two years, tax authorities have ramped up efforts to monitor the incomes of influencers, YouTubers, TikTokers, and other online creators, citing the need to expand the tax base in line with the country’s revenue targets.
Under the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), individuals earning income from Nigeria — whether online or offline — are required to pay taxes based on their earnings. LIRS, in particular, has been tracking high-profile social media personalities to ensure compliance.
Tax experts note that flaunting wealth online can attract scrutiny from revenue agencies. Bola Adebanjo, a Lagos-based tax consultant, told our correspondent:
“Once you publicly display assets or reveal income streams, agencies can make estimates — sometimes inflated — of your earnings. Creators need to keep clear records and engage tax professionals early to avoid shock bills.”
Peller’s outcry has struck a chord with many young Nigerians who see him as part of a new wave of self-made internet celebrities navigating fame and fortune in the digital age. His rapid rise — from a relatively unknown TikTok user to a viral personality — mirrors the journey of many who monetize creativity on platforms that did not exist in Nigeria just a decade ago.
However, with this fame comes increased financial visibility and government oversight. In 2024, several Nigerian YouTubers and Instagram influencers also publicly complained about tax demands ranging from ₦5 million to ₦50 million.
Failure to settle tax obligations can result in penalties, asset seizures, or even jail terms under Nigerian law. While Peruzzi advised Peller to negotiate a payment plan with LIRS, the TikToker hinted that he may challenge the assessment, suggesting that the figure was not based on his actual declared income.
Tax lawyers say Peller can request a tax audit review to reconcile his earnings with the billed amount. If discrepancies are found, the tax can be reduced.
The Lagos State Government has been aggressively expanding its revenue drive to meet budgetary needs, with the LIRS setting ambitious collection targets for 2025. The push reflects broader national trends, as Nigeria grapples with high debt levels and seeks to diversify revenue away from oil dependency.
For content creators, the lesson is clear: fame may be free, but the taxman will eventually knock — and he won’t be checking your follower count, only your bank statements.
As Peller’s story unfolds, it may set a precedent for how Nigeria’s booming creator economy interacts with the country’s tax regime in the coming years.