The Nigeria Police Force has officially declared that it will restart the enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy on Friday, January 2, 2026. The announcement, made amidst ongoing legal scrutiny, has ignited a fresh wave of public discourse regarding security priorities and regulatory measures.
Police Announcement and Legal Context
Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development in an official statement released on Monday, December 15, 2025. The police clarified that the decision to proceed is based on growing security challenges across the nation. Authorities maintain that there is no specific court order currently preventing them from implementing the existing law governing the use of tinted glass on vehicles, despite the broader matter being sub judice.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The police's declaration has been met with significant skepticism and mixed reactions from many Nigerians. Critics have taken to social media and comment sections to question the logic and timing of the policy's revival.
Adeolu questioned the fundamental premise, asking why a paid permit would deter criminals who could simply obtain one. "If people are using tinted glass vehicles to perpetrate crimes, why are you requesting money from people to get a permit?" he queried, suggesting the focus should be on tackling insecurity directly.
Others, like Kaykay, pointed out the apparent disconnect between the policy and prevalent security threats: "The bulk of the kidnappings and terrorist attacks are happening in the forests, and they come on motorcycles most of the time."
Ebenezer Akinrinade and Henry Ariwaodo echoed concerns about misplaced priorities. Akinrinade pondered whether vehicle plate numbers were not sufficient for identification, while Ariwaodo advised that the energy spent on the permit should be redirected towards implementing 24/7 surveillance and CCTV infrastructure.
Security Justification and Policy Details
The police force's stance is rooted in the argument that tinted glasses are increasingly used by criminal elements to conceal their identities and activities within vehicles, thereby complicating law enforcement efforts. The permit system is presented as a regulatory tool to create a verifiable database of authorized users, distinguishing them from potential offenders.
However, this rationale has done little to assuage public doubts. Commentator Idris Abdul Marafa bluntly asked for the energy to be directed towards "protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians." Another user, The Truth, challenged the requirement for annual permit renewal, questioning its effectiveness as a crime-fighting tool if the primary concern is unauthorized tint.
The resumption date of January 2, 2026, now sets a clear timeline for vehicle owners and sparks a countdown to a renewed enforcement drive that remains legally and socially contentious.
