Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced that it will resume nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy from January 2, 2026, a move the force says is aimed at strengthening national security and curbing criminal activity linked to the misuse of darkened vehicle windows. The announcement, made by police authorities through official channels, signals a return to stricter checks on vehicles with tinted glass after several months of suspension and legal contention.
Police spokespeople, including Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the enforcement will be conducted across the country and encouraged motorists who require tinted glass permits to apply through the approved processes before the deadline. The enforcement action, they explained, follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and widespread use of unauthorised tinted vehicles in criminal activities.
The tinted glass permit system — rooted in the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act — requires vehicle owners to obtain formal permission from the police to operate vehicles with tinted windows. Authorities say the measure helps improve visibility for law enforcement and reduces opportunities for criminals to exploit heavily tinted glass to conceal identity or illegal activity.
The policy had been suspended earlier in 2025 amid public outcry and legal challenges. In October, the police temporarily halted enforcement while engaging with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which raised concerns about civil rights and procedural fairness. The suspension was part of ongoing deliberations and public interest litigation challenging the legality and implementation methods of the tinted glass permit policy.
Despite that history, police officials reiterated that enforcement will resume starting January 2, 2026, and will be implemented across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Vehicle owners have been advised to regularise their tinted windows by securing valid permits through the police’s digital platforms and compliance channels prior to the enforcement date, as failure to do so may attract penalties or other enforcement actions.
The planned resumption has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of the crackdown argue that stricter tinted glass controls are necessary to enhance security and reduce opportunities for criminal concealment. Critics, including legal and motorists’ groups, have labelled the policy burdensome and raised questions about its legal basis and potential for arbitrary enforcement.
The police have nonetheless maintained that the enforcement directive remains valid, pending any final judicial determination on the broader legal challenges that have been brought against the tinted glass permit regime. They urge motorists to obtain the necessary permits and comply with national regulations to avoid sanctions once the resumed enforcement begins.
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