Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator Habeeb “Peller” Hamzat has publicly challenged the Lagos State Government over what he describes as an “excessive” ₦36 million tax demand. Peller’s concerns, voiced during a recent livestream with singer Peruzzi, have spurred widespread discussions about the taxation of digital creators in Nigeria.
Peller explained that his rise in fame is recent, stating he only became prominent last year and earns primarily from international social media platforms, rather than local Nigerian sources. He questioned how the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) arrived at the heavy tax demand, especially since he has not seen any direct government support in his career journey.
“I don’t have anything to pay ₦36 million. The government hasn’t contributed to my success,” Peller said, emphasizing that he operates as a content creator and digital entrepreneur.
Singer Peruzzi responded by highlighting the civic duty to pay taxes and urged Peller to negotiate terms with the government to avoid penalties or legal consequences. Peruzzi noted that taxes fund essential public services and warned about the implications of non-compliance, including possible jail time.
The controversy has ignited a debate within Nigeria’s growing creative economy about how best to support digital content creators while ensuring fair taxation policies. Many advocates call for clearer regulations, transparent tax brackets tailored for influencers, and constructive engagement between tax authorities and content creators.
Nigeria’s creative sector is expanding rapidly, and with platforms like TikTok opening new revenue streams, the issue of proper taxation and government support is becoming increasingly relevant. Peller’s case embodies the challenges faced by younger digital entrepreneurs navigating taxation in a largely traditional tax system.
As discussions continue, the outcome will likely shape the future of digital entrepreneurship and influencer policy in Nigeria, balancing revenue needs with nurturing creative innovation.
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