Amanze Chinonye
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced plans to resume nationwide enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy from January 2, 2026, citing growing security threats linked to the use of unauthorised tinted vehicle glasses, Prime Business Africa reports.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the decision followed a review of emerging crime patterns and the urgent need to curb criminal activities facilitated by tinted vehicles.
The police clarified that no court order had restrained it from enforcing existing laws regulating tinted glass use, noting that enforcement was earlier suspended voluntarily to allow motorists sufficient time to regularise their documentation without pressure.
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Tinted Vehicles And The Security Questions
According to the Force, recent incidents show that criminals and organised groups have increasingly exploited vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass to conceal their identities while carrying out crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent offences.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assured the public that the renewed enforcement would be carried out professionally, with respect for citizens’ rights and in strict compliance with extant laws.
The resumption comes against the backdrop of a prolonged legal and public controversy over the policy earlier in 2025. In September, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law, instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the legality of the tinted glass permit regime. The NBA argued that the policy was unconstitutional, relying on a military-era regulation, and alleged that its implementation violated motorists’ rights to privacy, dignity and freedom of movement.
As the police prepared to resume enforcement in October, the NBA publicly warned officers against arresting or harassing motorists over tinted glass permits and pledged to provide free legal representation to anyone detained or prosecuted under the policy. The association also raised concerns over alleged extortion and the payment process for permits.
The legal dispute deepened on October 3, 2025, when a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, issued an interim order directing the police to suspend enforcement and maintain the status quo pending the determination of a motion on notice. Although the police later maintained that no subsisting order expressly barred enforcement nationwide, the Force announced a temporary suspension, citing respect for the judicial process and ongoing engagements with stakeholders.
Subsequently, the police and the NBA agreed to set up a joint committee to review the permit framework and address public concerns, leading to the prolonged pause in enforcement.
In its latest statement, the police said the suspension period had been used to allow motorists to complete the application process through approved channels, adding that the renewed enforcement was now necessary in light of worsening security conditions.
The Force urged motorists who require tinted glass permits to ensure full compliance before the January 2 deadline, reiterating its commitment to public safety, the rule of law and collaborative engagement with stakeholders.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
