A lighthearted exchange between Nigerian socialites Peller and singer Peruzzi has sparked conversation online after Peller revealed the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) billed him a staggering ₦36 million in taxes.
Peller, visibly baffled by the figure, reportedly reached out to Peruzzi to vent his frustration. But instead of sympathy, the “Majesty” crooner responded with laughter telling Peller that his own tax assessment was even higher.
According to snippets making the rounds on social media, Peruzzi found the situation amusing, quipping that Peller’s ₦36 million bill was “small” compared to his own tax obligations. The response left many fans both amused and curious about just how much the singer’s own LIRS assessment could be.
The banter quickly went viral, with many Nigerians using the moment to joke about the high cost of living and the government’s tightening grip on tax collection.
On X (formerly Twitter), fans traded memes and comments:
“If Peller’s bill is ₦36M and Peruzzi is laughing, then his own must be like rent for Banana Island.”
“This country will bill you like you’re Dangote even if you’re just selling puff-puff.”
Some also saw the humor as a coping mechanism in the face of Nigeria’s evolving tax system, which has recently ramped up efforts to collect revenue from high-profile individuals.
The LIRS has, in recent years, stepped up its tax enforcement drive, targeting celebrities, business owners, and other high earners. While many residents support improved tax compliance, others complain about sudden, inflated assessments and lack of transparency in calculations.
Whether Peller and Peruzzi’s banter was just friendly teasing or a subtle commentary on Nigeria’s tax realities, one thing is certain their exchange struck a chord with many Nigerians who know all too well the shock of receiving a hefty bill.
