Lagos enforces approval for solar panels on residents

The Ministry of Housing in Lagos State has stressed the need for residents of government-owned housing estates to obtain approval before installing solar panels in their homes.

The reminder was reiterated in a directive given by Abdulhafis Toriola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. This directive came shortly after a viral video of a resident who questioned the need for approval during a routine inspection at the Lagos State Millennium Housing Estate, Ibeshe.

Toriola explained that the housing conditions were stated in the Letter of Allocation and the Allottees Guide issued at the point of purchase.

”An allottee must obtain approval from the Ministry for any intended alteration to the flat allocated and the building, and this includes installation of solar panels. In recent times, the ministry had to intervene in fixing leaking rooftops and incessant fire outbreaks caused by solar panel installation by some residents. In order to minimise risk that will affect the entire building structure, the Ministry made regulations to stipulate guidelines for installation, the quality of materials such as cables and panel configuration, and the technical know-how of the installation personnel,” he stated.

Toriola also highlighted the need for such guidelines, noting that they help to protect the interests of all residents.