The Lagos State Ministry of Housing has reiterated that allottees in government-owned housing estates must obtain official approval before carrying out external alterations, including the installation of solar panels.

The Permanent Secretary, Abdulhafis Toriola, made this known while reacting to concerns raised on social media following enforcement activities by the Ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Team at the Lagos State Millennium Housing Estate.

Toriola stated that the requirement is clearly outlined in the Letter of Allocation and the Allottees Guide issued to beneficiaries, stressing that no modification to allocated flats or buildings should be undertaken without prior approval.

He explained that the policy is aimed at protecting shared infrastructure such as rooftops, walls, and water systems, as well as preventing hazards associated with poorly installed solar systems.

According to him, the Ministry introduced stricter guidelines after a rise in incidents linked to unregulated solar panel installations, including leaking roofs and fire outbreaks within government estates.

“Recent interventions by the Ministry were necessitated by damage caused by improper installations, which affected both users and other residents within the same building,” he said.

Toriola added that government housing estates are designed as integrated communities with shared facilities, noting that buildings often accommodate multiple families, making structural integrity and safety a collective concern.

He further disclosed that the guidelines cover installation standards, including material quality, cable specifications, panel configuration, and the competence of installation personnel.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the measures are also intended to prevent disputes over roof space allocation among residents and ensure adequate insurance coverage for shared assets.

While urging compliance, he assured that the Ministry remains open to feedback and will continue public enlightenment efforts to guide residents.