The Lagos State government has provided clarification regarding its solar installation fees and permits, following a viral video that sparked public debate. The video showed officials from the state Ministry of Housing confronting a resident about solar panels installed on his property, demanding approval and payment before installation.
Policy Applies Only to Social Housing Estates
In a statement released on Wednesday via X, Wale Ajetunmobi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, explained that the policy had been widely misinterpreted. He emphasized that the permit and administrative fees apply exclusively to residents of government-owned social housing estates, not to private homeowners or tenants across the state.
The clarification comes amid concerns that such requirements could discourage renewable energy adoption in Nigeria, which faces ongoing electricity challenges. The viral footage showed officials from the Ministry of Housing's monitoring and compliance unit insisting on prior approval and payment for solar installations.
Structural Alterations Require Approval
Ajetunmobi noted that solar installations in social housing estates are treated as structural alterations, which must go through relevant departments of the Ministry of Housing, including physical planning and survey units. This process ensures approval, compliance checks, and post-installation inspection.
He explained that solar systems in these estates are often installed in shared or external areas, making prior authorization necessary to avoid safety risks and liability issues. Residents in social housing must seek permission for such modifications, and they typically sign indemnity agreements before taking possession of properties, outlining conditions for structural changes.
Resident May Have Misunderstood Terms
The official suggested that the resident featured in the viral video may be a tenant in one of the state's housing estates and might not have fully understood the terms of the agreement signed at the time of allocation. Under Lagos State's urban and regional planning regulations, structural alterations require prior approval from relevant authorities to ensure safety and compliance.
Ajetunmobi stated: "Only residents living in government-owned social housing estates are charged administrative fees for alterations, such as the installation of a solar power system, before any additional development can be permitted."
Lagos to Roll Out Solar Home Systems
In a related development, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to transition a large number of residents from reliance on the national grid to solar-powered home systems. The initiative aims to provide a cleaner and more reliable energy alternative for households and small businesses.
Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, disclosed that the programme would allow residents to adopt solar solutions through a payment structure similar to their current electricity bills. This move aligns with the state's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development.
