Government Clarifies Solar Installation Fee, Says Charge Applies Only to Government Social Housing Estates
The Lagos State Government has clarified that permits and administrative fees for solar power installations apply only to residents of government-owned social housing estates, and not to private homeowners or tenants across the state.
The clarification followed a viral video showing officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing confronting a resident over solar panels installed on his home.
In the video, which surfaced on Tuesday, officials from the ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit were seen directing the resident to obtain approval and pay a fee before proceeding with the installation.
The incident sparked criticism on social media, with many users warning that such measures could discourage the adoption of renewable energy in Nigeria amid persistent electricity shortages.
Reacting in a post on X, Wale Ajetunmobi said the resident had misunderstood the policy.
According to him, the Lagos State Government does not impose solar installation charges on all residents.
“This development is true, but the man who made the video appears misinformed about the government’s guidelines for installing solar energy systems in social housing estates,” he said.
Ajetunmobi explained that only occupants of government-owned housing estates are required to pay administrative fees for structural alterations, including the installation of solar systems.
He said the requirement is tied to the state’s role as facility manager of the estates, noting that solar installations often affect shared spaces or alter the original building design.
“Any alteration must be processed through the Physical Planning and Survey Departments of the Ministry of Housing for approval, material compliance, and post-inspection checks,” he said.
He added that many solar systems in such estates are installed in shared areas, making prior approval necessary before work can begin.
Ajetunmobi further stated that the individual in the viral video was likely a tenant in one of the government-owned estates and may not have fully understood the terms of the indemnity document signed before occupation.
He said the officials captured in the video were carrying out routine monitoring, adding that the resident had commenced installation without prior approval.
According to him, the government had previously handled liabilities arising from unauthorised modifications, including roof damage and fire incidents.
“The simple rule for any estate occupant is to contact the state government, as facility manager, for approval before making any external alteration,” he said.
He added that unapproved changes affecting shared property could expose the government to legal and financial liabilities involving other residents.
Under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, structural changes to buildings require approval from the relevant authorities.