Lagos Tax Authority Seals Shoprite Outlet At Ikeja City Mall Amid Alleged Tax Breach

According to Ireporter Online, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has sealed the Shoprite outlet at Ikeja City Mall over alleged non-compliance with tax obligations. The action follows claims that the retail giant breached provisions under Section 94 of the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011 (as amended), an offense punishable by fines and imprisonment.

A notice posted at the entrance of the Shoprite store warned that removing the seal without authorization would constitute a criminal offense. The development adds to Shoprite’s ongoing challenges in Nigeria, where the retailer has faced declining sales and store closures in recent years.

Shoprite had previously announced its exit from the Nigerian market in 2020, following a series of financial difficulties. Its operations were subsequently acquired by Ketron Investment Limited through Persianas Investment Limited. Despite efforts to maintain operations, the company has closed outlets in Wuse, Abuja; Kano; Ilorin; and Ibadan. Reports have also highlighted empty shelves and limited stock at various locations, including Ikeja City Mall.

Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), which operates Shoprite in Nigeria, denied claims of a total shutdown. The company emphasized that it is undergoing a “comprehensive business model reset” to adapt to the country’s economic realities. As part of this restructuring, 80 per cent of its products are now locally sourced, a move aimed at stabilizing operations and positioning the business for long-term growth.