Tax Evasion: Lagos Government Sues Bi-Courtney, DAAR, 33 Others

Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS)

Tax Evasion: Lagos Government Sues Bi-Courtney, DAAR, 33 Others

The Lagos State Government has initiated legal proceedings against 45 individuals and corporate entities over alleged unpaid taxes amounting to several billions of naira.

The cases have been filed before the state’s revenue court as part of intensified efforts to enforce compliance with tax regulations and improve internally generated revenue.

Prominent 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, publishers of ThisDay newspaper.

Official figures indicate that Bi-Courtney Aviation Services allegedly owes N38.7 million, while DAAR Communications has an outstanding liability of N22.4 million. Leaders & Company Limited is also accused of defaulting on taxes to the tune of N67.1 million.

Other organisations identified as major defaulters include GMT Energy Resources Limited, with liabilities exceeding N145.8 million, and Sheriff Deputies Limited, which allegedly owes over N132.1 million.

The list further features companies such as Heyden Petroleum Limited, AA Rescue, and Primero Transport Services Limited, alongside several others with varying tax obligations.

Additional firms named in the court filings 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 technology firms, including Native Media Limited, First Consulting Media & Centre Limited, and Eyowo Integrated Payments, were also listed as defendants.

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, disclosed that the decision to commence legal action followed repeated notices issued to the affected parties, which were ignored.

He noted that while individual tax liabilities range between N13.5 million and N35 million, corporate organisations account for the bulk of the outstanding sums.

Pedro explained that the state government resorted to litigation after the taxpayers failed to fulfil their statutory obligations or take advantage of opportunities provided to regularise their tax status.

He added that the enforcement initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen tax compliance and boost revenue required for infrastructure development and essential public services.

The Attorney-General further clarified that taxpayers who complied with pre-action notices and settled their outstanding liabilities would not be prosecuted.

He urged residents and business operators to adhere strictly to tax laws by filing annual returns and paying assessed taxes promptly, warning that continued default could attract penalties, interest, and further legal consequences.