The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announced on Monday that the enforcement of regulations regarding tinted glass permits is scheduled to recommence on January 2, 2026. This development was disclosed in a statement by Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who attributed the decision to a noticeable escalation in vehicle-related criminal activities.
According to Hundeyin, the move is the result of a thorough assessment of current security threats and is intended to guarantee public safety. He clarified that there is currently no court injunction preventing the police from upholding the laws regarding tinted glass. He explained that the police leadership had previously suspended enforcement voluntarily following a legal issue in October, primarily to allow vehicle owners sufficient time to update their documentation.
The statement noted that recent data points to a worrying trend where vehicles with unauthorized tinted windows are being used to aid criminal operations. Hundeyin highlighted that various criminals and organized syndicates have taken advantage of this lapse to hide their identities while committing violent offenses, including kidnapping and armed robbery.
Relaying a message from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the spokesperson assured the public that the enforcement exercise would be carried out professionally, legally, and with full respect for the rights of citizens. He also urged motorists who require permits to utilize the authorized application channels to ensure they are compliant.
Recall that the police had temporarily paused the policy’s enforcement in October. Hundeyin added that this suspension was partly a gesture of consideration toward the Nigerian public and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He reiterated the Force’s dedication to implementing existing laws with transparency and fairness while maintaining strong cooperation with key players in the justice sector.
Background information indicates that in September, the NBA filed a lawsuit against IGP Egbetokun, challenging the legality of the tinted glass permit policy. This followed an April 2025 directive by the IGP, which required the public to obtain annual permits from the NPF for a fee via a newly launched digital platform.
However, during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on August 23, 2025, the NBA resolved to contest the policy in court. The association argued that the move infringes on citizens’ rights and questioned the validity of the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act (Decree 1991), the military-era law the police have cited as their legal justification.
