By Osordi Ayomide
The Lagos State Government has moved to clarify its guidelines on solar energy installations following public reactions to a viral video showing a resident protesting enforcement over a supposed “solar permit.”
Contrary to claims in the video, the government does not require all residents in Lagos to obtain permits before installing solar systems in their homes. Officials explained that the requirement applies strictly to occupants of government-owned social housing estates.
According to the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, residents in these estates must seek approval before carrying out any form of structural or external alteration, including the installation of solar panels.
The policy is rooted in the government’s responsibility as facility manager of such estates, where shared infrastructure and existing public power systems are already in place.
Authorities note that solar installations in these environments often involve shared spaces such as rooftops, making unregulated modifications a potential risk to other residents.
Past incidents involving unapproved alterations have reportedly resulted in structural damage and fire outbreaks, raising safety and liability concerns.
Officials further clarified that enforcement actions, such as those seen in the viral video, are carried out by the Ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit to ensure adherence to building and safety regulations.
In contrast, individuals residing in privately owned homes or estates across Nigeria are not subject to such approval requirements. They are generally free to install solar systems, provided installations meet basic safety and building standards.
The government emphasised that the regulation is not intended to discourage the adoption of renewable energy, but rather to ensure that installations within shared residential facilities are conducted safely and in line with approved standards.
Residents of government housing estates are therefore advised to obtain the necessary approvals before embarking on any modifications to avoid enforcement actions and ensure the safety of all occupants.