An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Engr. Abdullahi Ramat, has dismissed widespread claims of a federal government-imposed “solar tax,” insisting that recent guidelines issued by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) are strictly safety measures aimed at curbing rising fire incidents linked to faulty installations.
Ramat, in a statement on Monday , titled “Setting the Record Straight: No Solar Tax by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Only NEMSA Safety Guidelines,” said the directive was issued in line with provisions of the Electricity Act 2023 and not as a fiscal policy.
He stressed that “the issue is not solar energy itself. It is the quality of installation,” noting that many systems across the country are being handled by unqualified installers. According to him, “the consequences are becoming visible in avoidable incidents that threaten lives and property.”
NEMSA’s new regulations, signed by its Managing Director and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, mandate that only certified electrical contractors handle solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The directive also requires installers to possess valid competency certification and to conduct proper load assessments before deployment.
“These are not new or burdensome requirements. They are standard safety principles already applied to conventional grid electricity,” Ramat said, adding that such measures explain why grid-related fire incidents remain comparatively lower.
He warned that solar systems, unlike centrally managed grid supply, pose unique risks because they generate power within homes and business premises. “This makes faults immediate and localized. There is no external buffer,” he explained. “A wiring error, poor battery placement, or inadequate ventilation can quickly escalate into a fire incident.”
The APC chieftain outlined key safety provisions, including ensuring that roof structures can support installations, maintaining minimum ventilation clearance of 0.13 metres, installing DC and AC isolators for safe shutdown, and placing batteries in well-ventilated spaces to prevent overheating. “These are basic safety measures, not regulatory overreach,” he emphasized.
Ramat further clarified that the directive “did not originate from the Presidency and did not require the approval of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” He added, “It is not a fiscal policy and contains no provision for taxation, levies, or charges on solar users.”
Addressing the source of the confusion, he pointed to a separate policy by the Lagos State Government, which applies only to solar installations in government-owned housing estates within the state. “It is not a nationwide policy and does not apply to the general public,” he said.
Ramat also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, particularly by influential figures. He described it as “deeply concerning and totally unacceptable when respected figures… become conduits for unverified information,” urging leaders to “uphold integrity, and reinforce a culture of truth in public engagement.”
With Nigeria witnessing increased adoption of renewable energy, he maintained that safety compliance must remain a priority. “Electricity, regardless of its source, is inherently hazardous when improperly handled,” he said.
“There is no solar tax,” Ramat reiterated. “There is only a call for professionalism, compliance, and responsibility.”
