The online world has been buzzing ever since the Lagos State Government reportedly demanded a staggering sum in income tax from popular TikTok creator Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller. The demand, which some reports place at ₦36 million and others at ₦18 million, has sparked a wave of public debate about fairness, transparency, and the way Nigeria’s tax system treats digital entrepreneurs.
Peller, who has built a huge following with his skits, live streams, and relatable humor, took to social media to share his frustration. In a live session, he openly questioned how such a figure was calculated, insisting he has never received any benefit from the state government. His words carried a note of deep resentment: the feeling that a government that offers little in return is suddenly asking for so much.
During that same livestream, singer Peruzzi tried to reason with him, urging him to comply with the law and pay his taxes. Peruzzi reminded him that everyone has a civic duty to contribute and warned that ignoring the notice could have serious legal consequences. But Peller pushed back, claiming the figure was based on exaggerated assumptions about his income—assumptions fueled more by public perception than actual financial records.
This clash is not without precedent. Lagos State’s tax agency has been paying closer attention to entertainers and influencers in recent years. In 2022, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo also made headlines after publicly disputing a tax bill she called unfair. For many creatives, the issue is not whether taxes should be paid, but how the amounts are determined and whether the process is truly transparent.
Legally, the government has the right to collect personal income tax from anyone earning above the threshold, whether their money comes from a corporate job, music royalties, or social media content. But the emotional side of the argument tells a different story. Many Nigerians sympathize with Peller’s position, seeing his frustration as part of a larger, nationwide skepticism about government accountability. When roads remain riddled with potholes, electricity unreliable, and public services inconsistent, it becomes harder for taxpayers—especially younger earners—to feel that their contributions make any real difference.
Peller’s situation is a sign of the times. As social media becomes a legitimate and often lucrative career path, tax authorities are bound to enforce the law in this new economy. But without fairness, clarity, and trust in the system, these enforcement efforts risk alienating the very people they hope to bring into compliance. Whether Peller decides to pay, negotiate, or fight the demand, this is unlikely to be the last time a Nigerian content creator finds themselves in the taxman’s crosshairs. And as more of these cases emerge, the conversation they spark may shape the future of taxation in Nigeria’s rapidly growing creator economy.
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