The Lagos State Government has clarified that permit requirements and administrative charges for solar energy installations apply only to residents of government-owned social housing estates, and not to private homeowners across the state.
The clarification follows a viral video showing officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing confronting a resident over the installation of solar panels within a state-owned estate, allegedly requesting approval and payment before proceeding with the project.
The video, which surfaced on April 21, 2026, sparked public debate over whether such requirements could discourage renewable energy adoption in a country facing persistent electricity shortages.
Responding to the controversy, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Wale Ajetunmobi, said the resident misunderstood existing guidelines governing modifications within social housing estates.
He explained that the policy does not apply to all Lagos residents, but specifically to occupants of government-owned housing estates where structural alterations require administrative approval.
According to him, tenants in such estates agree to the conditions before occupying the properties, including regulations on modifications that affect shared infrastructure.
“This development is true, but the individual involved appears to be misinformed about the Lagos State Government’s guidelines for solar installations in social housing estates,” Ajetunmobi said.
He added that solar installations are considered structural alterations, especially when they affect common areas or the original building design, and therefore require approval from relevant government departments.
The process, he said, involves clearance from the Physical Planning and Survey departments under the Ministry of Housing, as well as compliance checks and post-installation inspections.
Officials of the ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit were involved in the incident captured in the viral video, according to the statement.
Ajetunmobi further noted that the policy is designed to prevent structural damage, ensure safety compliance, and avoid liabilities arising from unapproved modifications such as roof damage or fire incidents.
He stressed that the requirement is not a general solar tax or statewide fee but a facility management rule for maintaining government-owned estates.
Under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, structural alterations to buildings require approval from relevant authorities, a provision the government says also extends to installations that may impact building integrity.
The clarification comes amid growing interest in renewable energy adoption, particularly solar systems, as households and businesses seek alternatives to Nigeria’s unstable power supply.
