Outrage as Lagos officials demand permit for homeowner’s solar panels

A viral video showing officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Housing confronting a resident over solar panels installed in a state-owned estate has sparked widespread backlash online.

The clip, shared on April 21, captures the moment officials from the ministry’s monitoring and compliance unit reportedly asked the homeowner to obtain approval and pay a permit fee despite his decision to adopt solar power as an alternative to unreliable electricity supply.

Although regulations by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) require permits for structural additions such as mounted solar panels, many Nigerians view the enforcement as excessive and poorly timed.

Critics argue that the move could discourage renewable energy adoption, particularly in a country grappling with chronic power shortages, where citizens increasingly rely on solar solutions for survival.

They also point out the perceived double standard, noting that diesel generators widely used across the state do not face similar regulatory scrutiny.

Reactions on X have been swift and critical.

@Beejafrmados32 slammed the development as “extortion,” accusing authorities of frustrating citizens trying to solve the country’s electricity challenges themselves.

“Na nonsense be this… the government create problems and sell solutions,” the user wrote.

@Yusufzone questioned the logic behind the enforcement, arguing that a government unable to provide stable electricity should not penalize citizens for finding alternatives.

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“If this is true, it amounts to stupidity taken too far,” he said.

@Penuelophir mocked the situation, suggesting it could set a precedent for taxing natural resources.

“They want to collect money from free sunlight… soon they would want to collect money from the air you’re breathing,” the post read.

@Chibuezemiller criticized both leadership and the electorate, calling the situation a reflection of poor governance and accountability.
“The government failed to provide 24/7 power… and they are coming for a permit?” he queried.

@Oluwaphilar also condemned the development, alleging that residents are burdened with multiple levies without corresponding infrastructure improvements.

“They can rip you off with different permits… but you will never see what those monies are used for,” he wrote.