Motorists on Edge as Police Remain Silent Two Days to Tinted Glass Permit Deadline

With just 48 hours left until the August 12 deadline for motorists to obtain or regularise their tinted glass permits, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to announce how it plans to enforce the directive, a silence that has left many vehicle owners anxious and uncertain.

The renewed attention on tinted glass permits dates back to May 1, 2025, when the police reactivated their digital application platform after years of public outcry over alleged abuse, extortion, and arbitrary arrests linked to tinted windows. According to the Force, the platform is designed to improve transparency, simplify the application process, and enhance national security, particularly in tackling crimes where tinted vehicles are used to obscure occupants’ identities.

Initially, the police granted a 30-day grace period from May 1 for motorists to apply for new permits or regularise existing ones. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, had warned at the time that enforcement would begin immediately after the grace period, adding that any officer found guilty of extortion or harassment during enforcement would face disciplinary action.

However, following widespread complaints about application bottlenecks especially from motorists in rural areas and those without internet access, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, extended the deadline to August 12, 2025, describing the move as a bid to make the process more “citizen-friendly.”

Now, with the deadline fast approaching, the absence of updated enforcement guidelines has sparked fears that officers may exploit the situation, given Nigeria’s long history of heavy-handed traffic checks and roadside extortion.

When contacted on Saturday, ACP Adejobi said only, “We will speak on it soon.” As of press time, the police had issued no further statement.

Despite the concerns, many motorists say they will apply before the deadline, though fears persist that unclear enforcement plans may pave the way for fresh rounds of roadside harassment.