LIRS further cautioned that tampering with its seal without approval amounts to a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has sealed the Shoprite outlet inside the bustling Ikeja City Mall, alleging the retail giant failed to comply with its statutory tax obligations.
In a notice pasted at the entrance, LIRS declared that the store’s failure to meet its tax responsibilities constitutes an offence under Section 94 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended).
“Take notice that the owner/occupant of this premises has failed to comply with his/her tax obligations under the relevant tax laws,” the agency wrote.
“This is a contravention of the law punishable by both pecuniary penalties and imprisonment pursuant to section 94 of the Personal Income Tax Act 2011 as amended.”
LIRS further cautioned that tampering with its seal without approval amounts to a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.
Shoprite’s latest run-in with authorities deepens concerns about the health of the South African-born brand, now wholly owned in Nigeria by Ketron Investment Limited after its 2020 exit from the parent company.
Since Ketron’s acquisition, Shoprite’s Nigerian operations have been limping from one crisis to another.
In February 2024, the company shut down its Wuse, Abuja branch, citing harsh economic realities and a financial situation that had become unsustainable.
Just months earlier, in December 2023, it closed its massive Kano store under similar strains.
Across the country, customers have taken to social media to lament empty shelves, thinned-out product aisles and entire categories missing from stores.
Meanwhile, recent reports also confirmed closures in Ilorin, Kwara State and Ibadan, Oyo State.