Following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force has resumed the issuance of tinted glass permits across the country.

This development was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

According to the Force spokesperson, the move comes in response to rising concerns and complaints from the public over the harassment of vehicle owners by law enforcement agents for using factory-fitted tinted windows.

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reactivated the issuance of Tinted Glass Permits (TGP) nationwide through a secure and user-friendly digital platform available at https://possap.gov.ng.

“This initiative comes in response to widespread public complaints about the harassment of motorists over the use of tinted windows and reflects the need for a clear, transparent, and accountable process for regularising factory-fitted tinted glass on vehicles”, the statement partly read.

Highlighting the prevalence of modern vehicles designed with tinted windows for comfort and aesthetics, the police emphasised the importance of having a formal system to regulate usage.

“With modern automobiles increasingly manufactured with tinted windows, it has become essential to provide a standardised system that accommodates legitimate use while ensuring public safety.

“Tinted vehicles have often been exploited for criminal purposes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, ‘one-chance’ scams, and other forms of banditry”, Adejobi explained.

According to the statement, the abuse of tinted windows by criminals creates operational challenges for law enforcement and compromises national security.

“Their use hampers police visibility and impedes effective law enforcement, thereby contributing to public insecurity.

“The reactivation of the permit system is a strategic move to identify lawful users such as individuals with medical requirements or members of the security community while preventing misuse for criminal activities”, he stated.

He noted that the reintroduced system is also expected to help the police enhance investigations and improve overall security architecture in Nigeria.

He also added that to ensure authenticity and ease of access, the new platform features digital permits equipped with QR codes and a rapid processing window.

“It is expected to enhance police investigative capabilities and strengthen national security efforts.

Applicants can now process their permits online, with identity verification integrated through the National Identification Number (NIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN), alongside biometric capture and background checks.

“The system also features QR-coded digital permits, with a streamlined processing timeline of 72 hours.

To ensure a smooth transition, a 30-day grace period has been approved, effective from May 1st, 2025, within which motorists are expected to comply”, he added.

In addition, he explained that law enforcement will begin active implementation after the grace period, and the police warn that officers who misuse the enforcement process will be sanctioned.

“Enforcement will commence at the end of this period. Officers found engaging in unprofessional conduct, such as extortion or harassment, in the course of enforcement will be decisively dealt with in accordance with extant disciplinary procedures”, he said.

The Inspector-General reassured the public of the Force’s commitment to modern policing anchored on transparency, accountability, and public cooperation.

“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the Force’s commitment to a technologically driven and citizen-focused policing strategy.

“He urges the public to embrace the initiative in the interest of safer roads, enhanced public trust, and a more secure Nigeria”, the statement concluded.