IGP: Vehicle Registration & Tinted Glass Permit

— IGP Egbetokun

By Kayode Adoide

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the resumption of enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy, pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court.

According to the police, the decision followed a careful review of prevailing security concerns and the need to enhance the safety of lives and property across the country. The NPF further clarified that at no time did any court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regulating the use of tinted glass on vehicles.

Reports indicate that full enforcement will commence on January 2, 2026.

However, concerns have been raised by members of the public regarding the rationale behind the renewed enforcement. While the Inspector-General of Police reportedly cited security reports as justification, many Nigerians argue that recent security threats—particularly banditry and kidnapping—are largely perpetrated using motorcycles rather than private vehicles with factory-fitted tinted glass.

There is also growing public suspicion that the enforcement may degenerate into another avenue for extortion, rather than a genuine security intervention. Findings reveal that vehicle owners are often required to “open a portal” and pay undisclosed amounts to obtain the permit, in addition to submitting documents such as vehicle papers, National Identification Number (NIN), and passport photographs—details that are already provided during vehicle registration for identification purposes.

Citizens are also concerned that vehicles with clearly identifiable plate numbers are still subjected to harassment, despite being traceable in the event of any security incident.

Many Nigerians have expressed frustration over this development, describing the registration process as tedious, unclear, and discouraging. Some affected citizens, who preferred anonymity, said the process has become unnecessarily difficult and stressful.

This medium therefore urges the Inspector-General of Police to deeply reconsider the approach to enforcement, as the policy, if not carefully managed, may become a tool for harassment and extortion, particularly against owners of vehicles with factory-fitted tinted glass.

Security policies must inspire public trust, not fear. Any enforcement that alienates law-abiding citizens risks undermining the very security objectives it seeks to achieve.

Kayode Adoide writes from Lagos.