The Nigeria Police Force

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the resumption of enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy, firmly dismissing claims that any court order had previously restrained the Force from implementing the law.

In a statement released on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the earlier suspension of enforcement was a voluntary decision by the Police, taken in the interest of public convenience and administrative review not as a result of judicial intervention.

According to the Police, the decision to resume enforcement follows a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, particularly the increasing use of vehicles with unauthorised tinted glass in the commission of crimes.

“The suspension was a deliberate act of responsibility, transparency, and public sensitivity,” Hundeyin said. “It was intended to allow motorists sufficient time to regularise their documents and complete the permit application process without undue pressure.”

However, the Force noted that recent intelligence and crime trends have revealed a disturbing pattern: criminal elements exploiting the absence of enforcement to conceal identities and carry out violent acts, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and other serious offences.

“In view of these developments, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard lives and property,” the statement added.

The Police announced that full enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit requirement will officially resume on January 2, 2026.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured Nigerians that the renewed enforcement would be carried out with professionalism and strict respect for citizens’ rights. He emphasized that officers have been directed to act within the bounds of the law while maintaining courtesy and accountability.

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“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to public safety, the rule of law, and constructive engagement with the public,” Egbetokun said, reaffirming the Force’s resolve to work with relevant stakeholders to enhance national security.

Men of the Nigeria Police Force

Motorists who require tinted glass for medical, security, or official reasons were advised to apply through the approved and centralised permit channels, ensuring their vehicles comply with existing regulations.

The use of tinted glass on vehicles in Nigeria is regulated under traffic and security laws designed to prevent abuse that could undermine public safety. Over the years, enforcement of the policy has generated intense public debate, with motorists frequently raising concerns about alleged harassment, extortion, and inconsistent application by security personnel.

In response to these concerns, the Police in recent years suspended enforcement while reviewing the policy and introducing digitalised permit application systems aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and ease of access.

Throughout the suspension period, the Force consistently warned that unregulated tinted vehicles posed serious security risks, particularly amid rising incidents of kidnapping and violent crime across the country.

With enforcement set to resume, the Police say the goal is not punitive, but preventive striking a balance between citizens’ convenience and the urgent need to close security loopholes exploited by criminals.

As January 2 approaches, Nigerians are urged to ensure compliance, while the Police face renewed public scrutiny to demonstrate that enforcement will be conducted fairly, lawfully, and without abuse.