The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced that it will resume the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy beginning from 2nd January 2026, pending the final determination of a matter currently before the courts.
The decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.
The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who emphasised that at no point did any court order restrain the police from enforcing the provisions of existing law concerning the use of tinted glass on vehicles.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court. This decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens,” Hundeyin said.
The tinted glass permit policy, first announced by the NPF earlier in 2025, requires vehicle owners to obtain official permits if they wish to use tinted windows.
The initiative aims to enhance public safety by regulating vehicles with tinted glass, which can be exploited by criminals to conceal their identities while committing offences such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Enforcement was initially scheduled to begin on 6 October 2025. However, the implementation of the policy faced legal challenges.
On 2nd October this year, a Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, issued an interim injunction restraining the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the NPF from enforcing the policy following a motion filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins. Martins argued that the policy was unlawful and burdensome to citizens.
Justice H. Nganjiwa granted the injunction, restraining the police and their agents from implementing the tinted glass regulations pending the determination of the substantive motion.
During the suspension period, the NPF clarified that the court injunction did not prevent the enforcement of existing provisions of the law on tinted glass. Authorities also used the period to allow motorists ample time to regularise their documentation and complete the permit registration process without undue pressure.
CSP Hundeyin noted, however, that recent trends have shown a “disturbing rise” in criminal activities involving vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass.
“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,” he said.
In view of these developments, the NPF concluded that it was both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement of the policy as a proactive measure to safeguard communities across the country.
“Consequently, enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2 January 2026. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws,” Hundeyin added.
The NPF also encouraged motorists who require the Tinted Glass Permit to apply through approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.
The IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to promoting public safety, upholding the rule of law, and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to maintain security in Nigeria.
