Olayiwola Matthew
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has sealed the Shoprite outlet located at the Ikeja City Mall over alleged noncompliance with tax requirements.
A notice seen by journalists at the store’s entrance on Monday stated that the breach constitutes an offence punishable by fines and imprisonment under Section 94 of the Personal Income Tax Act, 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 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.”
The agency further cautioned that the seal must not be tampered with, warning that removing it without authorisation from the tax authority is “an offence punishable by imprisonment”.
Attempts to reach both Shoprite and the state tax authority for comments were unsuccessful.
Shoprite has faced operational challenges in Nigeria in recent years.
In August 2020, the company announced plans to exit the Nigerian market following a sustained decline in sales. The withdrawal was concluded when Ketron Investment Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under Persianas Investment Limited, acquired its Nigerian operations.
Despite the acquisition, the retail chain has continued to struggle. In 2024, Shoprite Nigeria closed its Wuse, Abuja store, citing the outlet’s “financial situation and the current business climate.”
Earlier, on December 16, 2023, it shut down a major store in Kano over similar conditions.
More recently, several outlets have recorded dwindling stock levels, while stores in Ilorin and Ibadan have reportedly closed. Shoppers at the Ikeja City Mall have also complained of empty shelves, with large sections of groceries and wines missing.