Following a viral video suggesting the introduction of charges by the Lagos State government on residents that install solar panels on their residences, the state government has made clarifications. The controversy began after a video surfaced showing enforcement officials from the Ministry of Housing’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit requesting documentation and administrative fees from a resident within a state-owned estate.
The footage triggered public concern, with many interpreting it as a broader attempt to impose a “solar tax” across the state. The clarification was provided by Wale Ajetunmobi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. According to him, the requirement applies only to residents living in government-owned social housing estates.
Ajetunmobi explained that installing solar panels in such estates is considered an external modification to the building structure. As a result, residents— referred to as allottees— must obtain approval from the Ministry of Housing, particularly its Physical Planning and Survey departments, to ensure safety and protect shared infrastructure.
“This development is true, but the man who made the video seems to be misinformed about the Lagos State Government’s guidelines,” he said, noting that the policy is not new. However, officials stressed that the rule is limited strictly to public housing schemes managed by the government, including estates under agencies like the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, LSDPC.
Further clarification from the Ministry of Housing, through Permanent Secretary Abdulhafis Toriola, reaffirmed that approval is required for any structural changes in these estates. This includes solar installations, which could affect shared facilities such as rooftops, electrical systems, and walls in multi-unit buildings.
Authorities emphasized that enforcement actions are targeted at ensuring compliance within planned residential environments, where unregulated modifications could pose risks such as fire hazards or structural damage. Importantly, the government stated that private homeowners and residents in nongovernment estates are not subject to these fees or approval requirements for installing solar systems, although standard safety regulations still apply.
The clarification aims to ease public concerns while reinforcing the need for regulatory oversight in statemanaged housing, especially as more Nigerians turn to alternative energy solutions amid ongoing electricity challenges.
