The Lagos State Government under Babajide Sanwo-Olu has responded to public concerns following a viral video about charges for installing solar power systems.
No General Fee for All Residents
Reacting to the claims, the government clarified that it does not impose solar permit fees on all residents across the state. The clarification came after the video suggested otherwise.
Fees Limited to Social Housing Estates
According to the governor’s media aide, the charges apply only to residents living in government-owned social housing estates. These are administrative fees tied to structural changes, such as installing solar systems.
He said:
“The reason for this is that the State Government is responsible for maintaining facilities in its social housing estates. There is a public electricity supply system already installed in the Estates. Installation of an additional power system is taken as an alteration to the original design and functionality of an Estate building.”
Approval Required Before Installation
The aide explained that any such modification must be approved before it is carried out.
He said:
“Any alteration must be run through the Physical Planning and Survey departments of the Ministry of Housing for approval, material compliance, and post-inspection checks.
Those solar power systems are usually installed by occupants in shared areas; so this alteration must be approved by the facility manager (Government) before any occupant can proceed.”
Policy Based on Existing Agreements
He also noted that these conditions were already outlined in the indemnity documents signed by property owners before the apartments were handed over.
The government added that the individual in the viral video is likely a tenant within one of such estates, where these rules apply.
His post is below:
This development is true, but the man who made the video seems to be misinformed about the Lagos State Government’s guidelines for installing solar energy systems in social housing estates.
He is likely to be a tenant in one of these social housing estates owned by the Lagos… https://t.co/XujKAiyl3z
— AJE (@Riddwane) April 22, 2026
