The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency has clarified that its recent directive on solar installations does not introduce any form of taxation, but is aimed at improving safety standards across the country.
The guidelines, issued pursuant to the Electricity Act 2023, follow growing concerns over fire incidents believed to be linked—directly or indirectly—to poorly installed rooftop solar systems in homes, markets, and commercial centres.
At the core of the directive is a push for stricter compliance with existing electrical standards. NEMSA requires that solar systems be installed only by certified electrical contractors, with proper load assessments and adherence to basic safety protocols before deployment. The agency notes that these measures are consistent with established practices in conventional grid electricity.
Unlike centrally managed grid supply, solar systems generate power within homes and business premises, meaning faults can have immediate and localised consequences. Poor wiring, inadequate ventilation, or improper battery placement may increase the risk of fire incidents if installations are not properly handled.
NEMSA also clarified that the directive did not originate from the Presidency and does not require the approval of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It stressed that the guidelines contain no provisions for taxes, levies, or additional charges on solar users.
The agency further noted that some of the confusion may be linked to a separate policy by the Lagos State Government, which applies only to solar installations within government-owned housing estates and is not a nationwide measure.
As solar adoption continues to grow in Nigeria, NEMSA emphasised the need for professionalism and adherence to safety standards, noting that electricity—regardless of its source—can pose risks if improperly managed.