Lagos Resident Challenges State Government Over New Solar Panel Permit Fee in Viral Video Debate

A viral video of a Lagos tenant protesting a solar panel installation fee sparks a major debate. While the state government clarified the policy is limited to social housing, residents are questioning its fairness given the lack of stable power.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 11:25 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Legit.ng

Viral Video Sparks Debate on Green Energy Costs

A significant debate has emerged online regarding the Lagos State Government’s policy on solar panel installation permits. The controversy was ignited by a widely circulated video featuring a tenant who expressed strong frustration after being asked to pay a specific fee before proceeding with a solar installation in his residence. The clip quickly gained traction on social media, prompting numerous reactions from citizens concerned about the rising costs of adopting renewable energy solutions in the face of persistent grid instability.

Government Clarification on Solar Permits

In response to the growing public outcry, the Lagos State Government issued a formal clarification through Wale Ajetunmobi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Ajetunmobi explained that the solar panel installation permit fee is not a blanket policy applied to all residents of Lagos. Instead, it is strictly limited to individuals living within government owned social housing estates. The government emphasized that the clarification was necessary to correct the widespread misconception that the fee applies to private tenants across the entire state.

Justification for the Housing Estate Policy

The government’s rationale for the fee in social housing estates is rooted in the maintenance of public infrastructure. Ajetunmobi stated that these estates are designed with pre existing public electricity supply systems, and the installation of additional power sources like solar panels is considered an alteration to the building's original design and functionality. Because solar systems are often installed in shared communal areas, such alterations must be vetted by facility managers, the Physical Planning department, and the Ministry of Housing for material compliance and post inspection checks before approval can be granted.