The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has sealed the Shoprite outlet at Ikeja City Mall over alleged non-compliance with tax obligations.

A notice displayed at the entrance stated that the action followed a violation of Section 94 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011, warning that such offences attract fines or imprisonment. It also cautioned that tampering with the seal without authorization is a criminal offence.

“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 read.
“This is a contravention of the law punishable by pecuniary penalties and imprisonment pursuant to Section 94 of the Personal Income Tax Act 2011 as amended.”

Shoprite Nigeria has been navigating operational difficulties in recent years, including the closure of outlets in Wuse, Abuja, and Kano due to financial strain and an increasingly challenging business environment. Several branches, including Ikeja, Ilorin, and Ibadan, have also been reported to have near-empty shelves.

Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), operators of Shoprite in Nigeria, has, however, denied plans to exit the country, stating that it is restructuring its operations and sourcing about 80 percent of its products locally to cope with current economic realities.