Force cites rising vehicle-related crimes, urges motorists to regularise documents
The Nigeria Police Force has announced that enforcement of the motor tinted glass permit policy will resume nationwide on January 2, 2026, citing growing security concerns linked to the use of unauthorised tinted vehicles.
The decision was disclosed on Monday in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the move followed a review of recent crime trends and the need to enhance public safety.
According to Hundeyin, intelligence reports indicate an increase in criminal activities carried out with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass, which criminals allegedly use to conceal their identities while committing offences.
“Recent trends reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass,” the statement said. “Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes.”
The police spokesperson clarified that there is no court order restraining the Force from enforcing the law on tinted glass. He explained that enforcement was voluntarily suspended in October 2025 following a court matter, in order to give motorists sufficient time to regularise their documentation.
Hundeyin also noted that the suspension was partly out of consideration for public concerns and representations made by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Quoting the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Hundeyin assured the public that enforcement would be carried out professionally and in accordance with the law.
“The Inspector-General of Police has assured that enforcement will be conducted with professionalism, respect for citizens’ rights, and strict adherence to the rule of law,” he said.
Motorists who require tinted glass permits were advised to apply through approved police channels ahead of the enforcement date to avoid sanctions.
The police had temporarily halted enforcement of the policy in October 2025, weeks after the Nigerian Bar Association instituted a legal action against the Inspector-General of Police, challenging the legality of the tinted glass permit regime.
The NBA, which filed the suit in September, described the policy as illegal and an infringement on citizens’ rights. The association also questioned the validity of the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, a military-era law under which the Police derive authority for the policy.
Earlier, in April 2025, the Inspector-General introduced a directive requiring motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits from the Nigeria Police Force for a stipulated fee. An online platform was subsequently launched to process applications.
The NBA had reiterated its opposition to the policy during its National Executive Council pre-conference meeting held on August 23, 2025, insisting it would pursue legal action over what it described as constitutional and legal concerns.
Hundeyin reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to enforcing existing laws fairly and transparently, while maintaining cooperation with stakeholders across the justice system to balance security imperatives with the protection of citizens’ rights.
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