The Lagos State Government has taken legal action against 45 companies and individuals over unpaid taxes said to be worth more than N22 billion.
Naija News reports that the case was filed before the state’s Revenue Court, where several well-known organisations were listed among those owing.
They include Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, operator of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal Two, DAAR Communications Plc, owners of AIT, and Leaders & Company Limited, publishers of ThisDay Newspaper.
According to the state, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services is owing over N38 million, while DAAR Communications has a much larger debt running into over N22.4 million.
Leaders & Company Limited is also said to owe over N67 million.
Other companies listed in the suit include GMT Energy Resources Limited, Sheriff Deputies Limited, Heyden Petroleum Limited, AA Rescue, and Primero Transport Services Limited, which runs the Bus Rapid Transit system.
Their alleged debts range from tens of millions to over N145 million.
The state government, through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, said the affected firms and individuals had failed to respond to several tax payment notices sent to them.
He explained that while individuals involved owe between N13.5 million and above N35 million, companies on the list have far higher outstanding amounts.
The government has now summoned all defendants to appear in court as part of efforts to recover the unpaid taxes and enforce compliance with tax laws.
More organisations mentioned in the case include 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 tech-related firms such as Native Media Limited, First Consulting Media & Centre Limited, and Eyowo Integrated Payments are also affected.
The Attorney-General said the move is aimed at ensuring that all taxpayers meet their legal duties so that the state can fund public services.
He added that those who had earlier received notices and had already cleared their tax debts would not face prosecution.
Residents and business owners were also advised to file their annual tax returns and pay what they owe on time, as failure to do so could lead to penalties, added charges, and court action.
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