The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all residents of its housing estates must obtain official approval before carrying out any external alterations, including the installation of solar panels on allocated flats and buildings.
The clarification was issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, in response to a recent social media complaint regarding enforcement actions by the Ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Team at the Lagos State Millennium Housing Estate, Ibeshe.
According to Toriola, the requirement is clearly stated in the Letter of Allocation and the Allottees’ Guide provided to beneficiaries at the point of allocation. He stressed that residents are not permitted to make modifications without prior approval from the Ministry.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the policy is aimed at protecting shared infrastructure such as rooftops, walls, and water systems, while also reducing safety risks, including fire incidents linked to improper solar panel installations.
Toriola noted that in recent times, the Ministry has had to intervene in cases involving leaking roofs and fire outbreaks allegedly caused by poorly installed solar systems in some estates.
He added that government housing estates are designed as interconnected structures housing multiple families, making it necessary to regulate alterations to avoid widespread damage. According to him, the guidelines also specify technical standards for materials, installation methods, and qualified personnel to ensure safety and durability.
The Permanent Secretary further explained that the regulations help prevent disputes among residents over roof space allocation and ensure proper insurance coverage for buildings in the event of damage.
While urging residents to comply with the established procedures, he said the Ministry remains open to feedback and continues to engage in public sensitisation campaigns across government estates.
Residents were encouraged to seek clarification from the Ministry whenever in doubt to promote safety, structural integrity, and peaceful coexistence within state-owned housing schemes.
The statement was signed by Ganiu Lawal, Director of Public Affairs.