Nigerian food critic Opeyemi Famakin has shared his surprising experience with the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), which billed him ₦80 million in taxes after he revealed his weekly earnings on social media.
Speaking during an interview on the With Chude podcast, Famakin explained that the LIRS contacted him just two days after he disclosed that he earns ₦9 million on a “bad week.” He hinted that his viral statement likely drew the attention of the tax authority.
"LIRS sent me an email, they billed me ₦80 million. I paid it o. I pay my tax now. Two days after I mentioned my finances, they sent me the email," he said. "Even though I told them ‘allegedly,’ they said no. But let’s not discuss it. I am now a proud taxpayer. Today, I texted my accountant to pay this month’s tax."
Famakin emphasized that he now takes his tax obligations seriously, noting that the experience has taught him to avoid public discussions about his finances.
This revelation follows Famakin’s earlier claim in 2022 that he is the highest-paid food critic in Nigeria. At the time, he mentioned earning from consulting for restaurants and co-owning businesses. "People thought I was joking when I said I make ₦9 million on a bad week, but the money hasn’t gone down," he said during the Echoo Room podcast.
Famakin’s story has sparked reactions on social media, with many users expressing surprise at the tax bill while others praised his openness about the experience.
