The Lagos State Ministry of Housing has restated its directive requiring residents of government-owned housing estates to obtain official approval before installing solar panels or making any external alterations to their buildings.
The clarification was provided by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abdulhafis Toriola, following a recent social media complaint by a resident who questioned the necessity of such approval during a routine inspection at the Lagos State Millennium Housing Estate in Ibeshe.
According to Toriola, the requirement applies to all allottees and is clearly outlined in both the Letter of Allocation and the Allottees Guide issued to residents 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,” Toriola stated.
He explained that the policy is designed to protect shared structural elements within the estates, including rooftops, walls, and water systems, which are often interconnected and serve multiple households.
The permanent secretary noted that concerns over safety have also influenced the enforcement of the guidelines, particularly in relation to the risks associated with improper solar installations.
“In recent times, the ministry had to intervene in fixing leaking rooftops and incessant fire outbreaks caused by solar panel installation by some residents,” he said.
Toriola further highlighted the unique design of government housing estates, where several families—ranging from two to as many as 32—may occupy a single building with shared infrastructure. He said this makes it essential to regulate any modifications that could affect the overall integrity of the structure.
“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 added.
Beyond safety considerations, the guidelines also serve to protect the collective interests of residents by ensuring proper insurance coverage and preventing disputes over limited roof space among occupants seeking to install solar systems.
Toriola noted that the ministry remains open to feedback and has continued to engage residents through awareness campaigns aimed at improving compliance with estate regulations.
He advised residents to always seek clarification from the ministry when in doubt and to follow established procedures, stressing that adherence to the rules is essential for maintaining safety, protecting shared infrastructure, and promoting peaceful coexistence within government-owned housing estates.
