The Lagos State Government has clarified that approval requirements and administrative fees for solar power installations apply only to residents of government-owned social housing estates, following widespread criticism sparked by a viral video on social media.

The video showed officials of the Ministry of Housing confronting a resident over solar panels installed on his apartment, prompting concerns that the state had introduced charges for private solar installations across Lagos.

Responding to the controversy, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Wale Ajetunmobi, said the resident had misunderstood the policy. He explained that the approval process applies exclusively to occupants of state-owned housing estates, where the government serves as the facility manager.

According to him, solar installations are classified as structural alterations that may affect shared spaces or the original design of buildings and therefore require approval from relevant departments within the Ministry of Housing.

Ajetunmobi added that the resident featured in the video allegedly commenced installation without obtaining the necessary approval. He noted that the policy was designed to prevent liabilities arising from unapproved modifications, including roof damage and fire incidents.

Despite the clarification, the issue has triggered broader public debate about taxation, housing policies and the rising cost of living. Many residents argue that requiring approvals for solar installations could discourage renewable energy adoption at a time when Nigerians increasingly rely on alternative power sources due to unreliable electricity supply.

Critics also expressed concern that similar regulations could eventually be extended beyond government-owned estates, although the state government maintains that the policy is limited to its social housing schemes.