The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has sealed the Shoprite outlet at Ikeja City Mall over alleged noncompliance with tax obligations.
Gatekeepers News reports that a notice posted at the store’s entrance on Monday, and seen by TheCable, stated that the breach is an offence punishable by fines and imprisonment under Section 94 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), 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 LIRS further cautioned that the seal must not be removed without proper authorisation, noting that doing so constitutes “an offence punishable by imprisonment”.
Enquiries sent to Shoprite and the Lagos tax authority were not responded to as of press time.
Shoprite has faced a series of operational challenges in Nigeria in recent years. In August 2020, the retail giant announced plans to exit the Nigerian market following declining sales. The exit was completed when Ketron Investment Limited, a special purpose vehicle of Persianas Investment Limited, acquired its local operations.
Since the takeover, Shoprite’s Nigerian business has struggled to stabilise. In 2024, it shut down its Wuse store in Abuja, blaming the decision on the outlet’s “financial situation and the current business climate”.
The retailer had earlier closed a major branch in Kano in December 2023 for similar reasons. More recently, reports have surfaced of empty shelves across several outlets and the closure of stores in Ilorin and Ibadan. Shoppers have also observed scanty displays and missing grocery and wine sections at the Ikeja City Mall branch.
Despite the setbacks, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), operators of the Shoprite franchise in Nigeria, has denied claims that it is winding down operations in the country.
