Lagos Govt Seals ShopRite

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has closed the Shoprite store at Ikeja City Mall after claiming the outlet failed to meet its tax obligations.

Naija News reports that a notice displayed at the store said the act is a breach of the law under Section 94 of the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011, and could lead to fines or imprisonment.

The notice also warned that removing the seal without LIRS permission is illegal.

‘Take notice that the owner/occupant of this premises has failed to comply with his/her tax obligations under the relevant tax laws,” the notice reads.

“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.”

Shoprite Nigeria has faced operational challenges in recent years, including the closure of stores in Wuse, Abuja, and Kano, citing financial difficulties and the tough business environment.

Reports have also emerged of empty shelves in several outlets, including Ikeja, Ilorin, and Ibadan.

Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), which runs Shoprite in Nigeria, denied plans to exit the country.

The company said it is restructuring its business model to adapt to the current economy, with about 80 percent of products now sourced locally.