Lagos Residents Lament New Solar Installation Levy

… Levy Only for Residents in Government-Owned Estates- LASG

Residents of Lagos are increasingly worried after a viral video surfaced, claiming that the state government is requiring payment of a fee for those who install solar power in their homes as an alternative to regular electricity supply.

The video, which circulated widely on social media on Tuesday, prompted widespread criticism. Many individuals expressed concerns that, despite the government’s inability to provide reliable electricity, it has elected to implement fees and levies on citizens who invest in alternative power sources, thereby imposing further challenges.

The video features a Lagos State resident expressing concern after government officials requested a permit fee for the use of a solar power system in his home. According to the individual, representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Housing Monitoring and Compliance identified his installation, which has resulted in significant public confusion and online discourse regarding the existence of such permits for private residences.

Speaking in Yoruba, the man was heard calling the attention of his viewers, saying, “Please, Lagos State, if you know these people, they said we are going to pay for the permit of the solar installation. I have never heard such things before. They are insisting that we must take a permit for installing solar; I don’t know where they come from. Where is your office?” the man asked the officials of the state government.

Reacting to the video on social media, many Nigerians have criticised the Lagos state government, stating that the development is aimed at extorting the residents on their electricity, which it has failed to provide for the people.

For instance, Afolabi Olaide said, “Approval for solar when the government failed to provide adequate electricity?” I’m not surprised anyway, they tried to charge Lagos residents for a borehole when they failed to provide water.  It’s left for the residents to resist the evil act. These people are just taking us for a ride.”

Agbo Obinnaya, another social media user, also described the request for a solar permit or payment solely for the installation of solar power as  “illegal and is not supported by any existing federal or Lagos State laws as a mandatory requirement enforced by the Ministry of Housing’s Monitoring and Compliance team in the manner shown in this video. Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 promotes renewable energy, including solar, and creates a state regulator (Lagos Electricity Regulatory Commission) and Electrification Agency.”

Another reaction from social media, @dastreetking, also condemned the government for overburdening the people.  The government failed to provide stable electricity. Citizens find a way by installing solar, and then the government taxes them for the solar, which the government did not provide. Is this no madness? How long would we keep quiet and let this government destroy us completely? What nonsense!”

In response to the allegation, the Lagos State Government clarified its policy on solar power installation in government-owned housing estates, following a viral video claiming residents are generally required to pay permit fees to install solar energy systems.

According to a statement released by Wale Ajetunmobi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, the government asserts that charges are only applicable to residents of government-owned social housing estates, where particular regulations govern structural alterations, and that the claims making the rounds online are based on a misinterpretation of current housing regulations.

Solar Installation Levy Not for All Lagos Residents– LASG

Mr Ajetumobi further explained that the occupants of the government-owned estates have signed an indemnity document they signed before moving in, because the government is in charge of maintaining the buildings, the occupants must pay in line with the document they signed.

“He is likely to be a tenant in one of these social housing estates owned by the Lagos State Government. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have raised concerns about something that was clearly outlined in the indemnity document he signed before the Government handed over the apartment to him after purchase.

“Now, to the issue: the Lagos State Government DOES NOT charge all residents living in the State for a permit to install solar power systems for domestic use in their homes, as the video suggested. ONLY residents living in the government-owned social housing estates are charged administrative fees for Alterations, such as the installation of a solar power system, before any additional development can be permitted.

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.

“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. The man in the video obviously did not apply for approval before embarking on such an alteration. The uniformed men seen in the video are from the Monitoring and Compliance Unit of the Ministry.

“The Government has had to deal with liability from unpermitted alterations by estate residents, including leaking roofs and severe damage caused by fire. So, the simple rule for any estate occupant is to contact the State Government (facility manager) for approval for any external alteration they want to undertake in their building. If an unpermitted alteration affects the entire property, other occupants will hold the government responsible,” he said.

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