Motorists across Nigeria have been granted a temporary reprieve as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) suspended the nationwide enforcement of its Tinted Glass Permit policy, which was originally slated to begin tomorrow, January 2, 2026.
The decision to pause the crackdown follows a recent interim order from a Federal High Court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025.
The court order, issued on December 17, 2025, restrains the police from implementing the policy until a substantive lawsuit challenging the legality of the permits is heard and determined.
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In a statement released on New Year’s Day, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that while the police had announced the resumption of enforcement on December 15, they are constitutionally bound to respect judicial authority.
“Strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide,” Hundeyin stated.
He added that the police has already entered an appearance in the case, filed preliminary objections, and is seeking to have the interim order vacated.
The matter has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, maintains that the policy is a vital tool for national security.
The police argued that unauthorized tinted glass has become a preferred tool for kidnappers and armed robbers to conceal their identities.
However, the policy has faced fierce opposition from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and civil rights activists.
Critics argue that the policy relies on a 1991 military-era decree that may be unconstitutional in a democracy, motorists have reported harassment at checkpoints despite the enforcement being on hold and the ₦16,000 annual fee and the use of private vendors for payment have raised transparency concerns.
For now, drivers with tinted windows are not required to present a permit starting January 2.
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The police have assured the public that they will continue to use “intelligence-driven strategies” to ensure safety without violating the current court directive.
The police pledged to issue further guidance once the court makes a final determination later this month.
Until then, motorists are encouraged to stay informed and report any instances of illegal extortion related to tinted glass at police checkpoints.
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