The Nigeria Police Force has announced resumption of the issuance of tinted-glass permits to motorists across the country, which was suspended a few months ago.
The force, on Wednesday, said it considered the issuance resumption following a widespread complaints by Nigerians over police harassment on the road.
Recall that in the wake of widespread one-chance criminal activities in Abuja, the nation’s capital and other major cities in the country, the police had banned the usage of tinted-glass vehicles on the road.
Since then, the development has caused a series of arguments and altercations between the motorists and police officers on the road.
On February 1, 2024, the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos State, said that the three police officers, who demanded a tinted-glass permit from motorists were facing trial for professional misconduct.
The errant officers, according to the police authorities, were Kenedy Ereoah, an Assistant Suprintendent of Police; Ademiluyi Adekunle, an inspector; and Ayo Gbenga, another inspector.
Last year December, the House of Representatives waded into the matter, calling on the FCT Police Command to immediately halt the indiscriminate harassment of motorists on the issue.
The House ordered release of vehicles impounded solely for violations related to tinted-glasses and covered number plates, provided there are no other infractions.
Giving an update on Wednesday, the spokesman of the force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said no Nigerian or motorist needs to meet anybody physically before getting the tinted-glass permits.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, re-activated the issuance to address Nigerians’ concerns, adding that the permit can be obtained online through a digital platform with an address: https://www.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 regularizing factory-fitted tinted glass on vehicles.
“With modern automobiles increasingly manufactured with tinted windows, it has become essential to provide a standardized 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, an Assistant Commissioner of Police said.
He said the use of tinted-glasses hampered police visibility and impeded effective law enforcement, thereby contributing to public insecurity.
Adejobi noted that the reactivation of the permit system was 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.
“It is expected to enhance police investigative capabilities and strengthen national security efforts,” the force spokesman explained.
‘No Tax Identification Number, no permit’
Speaking further, Adejobi said no motorist can get the permit if his or her Tax Identification Number and National Identification Number are not provided alongside biometric capturing.
According to the senior cop, the system also features QR-coded digital permits, with a streamlined processing timeline of 72 hours. He added that motorists are expected to comply as from May 31, 2025.
He said, “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. Enforcement will commence at the end of this period.”
He noted that officers found guilty of extorting motorists in the course of enforcement will be severely punished in line with the extent rules of the police force.
Adejobi also said the IGP urged the public to embrace the initiative in the interest of safer roads, enhanced public trust, and a more secure Nigeria.
“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.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the Force’s commitment to a technologically driven and citizen-focused policing strategy,” he said.
(Daily Trust)
