By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Lagos State government has said residents of its housing estates across the state are not authorised to install solar panels without first obtaining approval from the appropriate quarters.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs in the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Ganiu Lawal, gave this clarification.

This arose from a recent social media post by a resident who raised concerns over the Ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Team’s demand for solar panel installation approval during a routine operation at the Lagos State Millennium Housing Estate, Ibeshe.

In the statement, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Abdulhafis Toriola, explained that residents are not allowed to make alterations in government-owned housing schemes to protect shared assets, prevent fire incidents and structural damage.

“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 stated.

Mr Toriola, an Engineer, further explained that the requirement, which is contained in the Letter of Allocation and Allottees Guide issued to all beneficiaries at the point of purchase, also aims to prevent fire incidents linked to unprofessionally installed solar systems.

According to him, the ministry was compelled to develop specific guidelines after solar panel installations began to create more problems than benefits for both users and non-users within government estates.

“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.

The senior government official noted that government estates are social housing interventions designed with connected shared assets and facilities for residents, with blocks of flats housing between two and thirty-two families.

“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.

The guidelines, he said, are designed to protect other flat owners, insulate the entire building with insurance against damages, and apportion appropriate roof space to all flat owners to prevent disputes when multiple occupants in a block seek to install solar panels on the same roof.

He disclosed that the ministry was open to feedback from residents always, urging all allottees to reach out to the ministry when in doubt and comply with the established process to ensure safety, structural integrity, and harmonious coexistence in all state-owned housing estates.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

For its unwavering commitment to operational excellence and resilience in the face of industry-wide challenges, a leading publication in the energy, oil and gas sector, Energy Times, has named Egbin Power Plc the winner of the Electricity Generation Company of the Year award.

The largest privately-owned thermal power generation company in Nigeria thanked the organisers for the honour, noting that recognition in Nigeria’s power industry is earned through consistent performance rather than visibility.

The energy firm emphasised that despite persistent structural constraints within the sector, its responsibility remains clear in delivering reliable megawatts to the national grid.

The Energy Times Awards took place recently in Ikeja, Lagos, with key stakeholders across the energy value chain in attendance to celebrate excellence and innovation within the industry.

Energy Times, in its citation, commended Egbin Power for its notable improvements in average hourly power generation in 2025, achieved despite industry-wide challenges.

It noted that the organisation sustained commendable output through enhanced operational efficiency, proactive asset management, and a firm commitment to national grid stability, further cementing its strategic importance in Nigeria’s power sector.

While receiving the accolade, Egbin Power said it has made “a deliberate choice to be reliable, disciplined, and performance-driven.”

“This recognition reflects the resilience of our people, the strength of our operations, and our unwavering commitment to powering Nigeria sustainably,” the company said in a statement.

It further highlighted that the award is rooted in measurable outcomes, while acknowledging that much work remains to be done in strengthening the sector.

Egbin Power also reiterated that sustainable power extends beyond generation, stressing the need for an efficient end-to-end electricity value chain where every megawatt generated translates into value delivered and revenue recovered, affirming its commitment to leading industry conversations and setting performance benchmarks through example.

Speaking on the recognition, the chief executive of Egbin Power Plc, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, dedicated the award to the company’s workforce.

“All the credit for this recognition goes to the team, whose dedication, discipline, and determination continue to translate into outstanding results,” he said.

He also acknowledged the board’s unwavering support, noting that strong alignment between governance and management has been critical in consistently raising performance standards.

Mr Bounour further highlighted the role of Sahara Group in driving innovation and sustainability across the business. According to him, the organisation remains focused on creating value for its stakeholders while contributing meaningfully to national development.

“We are not just generating power, we are powering the future. Technology will remain at the heart of this transformation, while sustainability and affordability are not ambitions, they are our standard,” he added.

Sahara Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Sahara Group (Egbin Power’s parent company), was also named the Social Impact Company of the Year for its significant contributions to sustainable development and socio-economic progress in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and across Africa.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The deadline for submission of entries for the 2026 MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) has been extended to Saturday, April 25.

A statement from the organisers disclosed that applications remain open via the School of Media and Communication website: mtnmip.smc.edu.ng.

The programme is open to media practitioners and digital content creators working across print, electronic, digital, and social media. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, impactful storytelling, and continuous professional development.

The extension provides additional opportunity for qualified media professionals and digital content creators across Nigeria to apply for the highly competitive, fully funded programme, which continues to shape the future of storytelling and media innovation in Africa.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process, with successful applicants commencing the programme in May 2026.

The programme will admit an expanded group of 25 fellows, up from 20 in previous editions. This increase reflects MTN Nigeria’s 25-year milestone and reinforces its sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem.

As MTN Nigeria marks 25 years of connecting people, the Media Innovation Programme represents a parallel investment in the storytellers shaping how that connection is understood, experienced, and amplified across society. It underscores a deliberate effort to support a vibrant, independent, and forward-looking media industry evolving alongside the digital economy.

Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), the six-month certificate programme has grown into one of Africa’s most impactful media capacity-building platforms. It equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks required to lead and innovate within a rapidly changing media and technology landscape.

The programme features academic sessions at PAU, complemented by industry engagements and an international study visit. The international component in South Africa includes sessions at the University of Johannesburg, alongside engagements with leaders across media, business, and policy.

Since its inception, the programme has built a strong alumni network across Nigeria’s media industry, with participants going on to occupy key roles, launch new platforms, and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.