The Lagos State Government on Sunday defended slamming a N5.7m bill on a motorist for allegedly damaging one of the newly installed solar streetlights on Lagos roads.

The PUNCH gathered from a letter addressed to the motorist, S. Islamiyat, by the Lagos State Electrification Agency, that the recipient’s Ford vehicle allegedly damaged the streetlight along Abeokuta Road in December.

The letter, which circulated on WhatsApp over the weekend, was dated December 15, 2025, and signed by Orunsolu L.A. on behalf of the LSEA’s General Manager.

It read, “Sequel to the report received that your Ford vehicle hit one of our newly installed double-armed All-in-One Solar Streetlight along Old Abeokuta Road in the month of December 2025, I am directed to forward the cost implication to rectify the streetlight damaged by your vehicle.

“To this end, a sum of N5,726,320:00K is required for the rectification of the affected streetlight,” Orunsolu stated, asking Islamiyat to “kindly pay in respect of Lagos State Electricity Board Agency.”

The breakdown of the cost included: two all-in-one solar fittings, N4,432,320; a galvanised pole, N794,000; rental of a Hiab, N250,000; and rental of a manlift, N250,000.

When contacted, the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, LSEA, Ololade Agboola, confirmed the authenticity of the letter in a statement issued on behalf of the GM on Sunday.

The agency stated that the solar-powered streetlights represent a major public investment, installed to enhance road safety, provide nighttime visibility, and support the local economy. “Protecting this critical infrastructure is a shared responsibility.”

Defending the cost, the LSEA added: “The repair costs are not fixed; they are assessed on a case-by-case basis and depend entirely on the severity of the damage, whether to a single pole or to the entire fitting.”

The agency further reminded all motorists and residents to exercise caution and care near the assets.

“To uphold this principle of shared responsibility, motorists found responsible for damaging the infrastructure will be held liable for the repair costs. This policy serves as a necessary deterrent against negligence and willful vandalism, ensuring the longevity of these facilities for all,” it warned.

The PUNCH reported last week that the state government had commenced the installation of more than 22,000 solar-powered streetlights across the state under its Light Up Lagos Solar Streetlight Initiative.

The project is being implemented by the LSEA and supervised by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

According to the General Manager of the LSEA, Kamaldeen Balogun, the shift to solar lighting aligns with the state’s broader environmental and energy-efficiency goals. (PUNCH)

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