Shoppers arriving at shoprite in Lekki on Tuesday discovered locked doors and a striking notice from the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service.
Immediately, the familiar bustle of trolleys and checkout queues gave way to confusion and curiosity.
LIRS shuts Shoprite Lekki
The notice stated that the outlet had failed to meet its tax obligations and warned that the breach could lead to fines or imprisonment under the Personal Income Tax Act 2011 (as amended).
It also emphasised that anyone removing the notice without authorisation would face legal consequences.
Staff And Shoppers In Limbo
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Inside the store, staff stood idle while shoppers peered through the glass, wondering when—or if—the store would reopen.
Meanwhile, LIRS has not clarified whether it specifically targets Shoprite, the mall owners, or certain tenants, leaving many questions unanswered.
As a result, The Palms’ shoppers face a sudden disruption to their routines, while the closure serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring tax obligations.
