The Police Headquarters in Abuja announced yesterday a decisive move to resume the enforcement of the controversial Tinted Glass Permit policy, a decision made despite the ongoing legal challenge against it. This development means that vehicle owners must comply or face the consequences from the beginning of the New Year.
The enforcement had been put on hold earlier this year following a ruling by a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State. Back on October 2, the court issued an interim injunction restraining the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from implementing the policy, which was scheduled to take effect on October 6, 2025.
The injunction was secured by John Aikpokpo-Martins, who argued in his motion that the police should be stopped from proceeding with the policy, which he deemed both unlawful and overly burdensome to citizens. Justice H. Nganjiwa granted the interim order, explicitly restraining the defendants—the IGP and the NPF, including all their agents and officers—from implementing or enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit Policy until the substantive motion before the court is heard and determined.
Despite the court’s order, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, issued a statement yesterday confirming the immediate resumption of enforcement from January 2, 2026. He cited a “careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens” as the key motivation for the action.
Hundeyin was quick to clarify the police stance, stating, “It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the NPF from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles.” He explained that the initial suspension was an act of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, intended to give motorists sufficient time to regularize their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure.
However, recent data indicates a concerning spike in criminal activity facilitated by vehicles with unauthorized tinted glass. Hundeyin noted that “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.”
Given this alarming trend, the Nigeria Police Force deemed the resumption of full enforcement to be “both necessary and urgent” and a proactive measure to secure communities.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun assured the public that the renewed enforcement will be executed with the utmost professionalism, respecting the rights of citizens and strictly adhering to existing laws. He stressed that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while cooperating with all stakeholders to ensure Nigeria is secure. Motorists who require the Tinted Glass Permit are strongly advised to apply through the official, approved channels and ensure their vehicles fully comply with all legal procedures before the January 2 deadline. For detailed updates on traffic and security policies.
