Nigeria police start tinted‑glass permit crackdown in Kaduna, Edo

Police commands in Kaduna and Edo states are set to roll out a hard‑line crackdown on vehicle tinted‑glass permits starting Thursday, a move that could affect thousands of motorists across the country.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, the Kaduna police command will begin enforcing the permit requirement at 08:00 GMT, while the Edo command follows suit an hour later. The enforcement aligns with a nationwide directive issued by the Inspector‑General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Inspector‑General of Police, that took effect on 2 October 2025.

Background of the tinted‑glass regulation

The tinted glass permit scheme was first introduced under the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, which bans the use of darkened windows on public roads unless a licence is obtained. The law was revived in April 2023 as part of the police’s Specialized Services Automation Project, after a brief suspension in 2022.

Under the current rules, owners of vehicles with factory‑fitted or aftermarket tinted windows must register via the online portal possap.gov.ng and then present their vehicle documents for physical verification at the state command headquarters.

Enforcement rollout in Kaduna and Edo

“All vehicle owners and drivers with factory‑fitted or non‑factory‑fitted tinted glasses must register and obtain the requisite permits to avoid penalties,” said Mansir Hassan, police spokesperson for the Kaduna command in the Wednesday statement.

The registration process requires the following paperwork:

• Proof of ownership (certificate of registration or invoice)
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) and chassis details
• Specification sheet showing the level of tint applied
• Completed online application confirmation

Once verified, the command will issue a physical permit that must be displayed on the driver’s side window. Failure to produce a valid permit will result in fines ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, and repeat offenders may face vehicle impoundment.

In Edo, the zone’s public relations officer, Tijani Momoh, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, announced that officers will also impound vehicles lacking a permit. “The operation targets all vehicles with tinted windows, whether factory or aftermarket, across the two states under the zone’s jurisdiction,” he said.

Legal challenge and court restraint

Despite the police’s enthusiasm, the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, issued a restraining order on Friday, halting the enforcement pending the outcome of Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025. The suit was filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo‑Martins, who argues that the new permit regime exceeds the authority granted by the 2004 Act.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun, leading the petitioner’s legal team, hailed the ruling as “a significant step in upholding the rule of law while substantive issues are being determined.”

The court’s order instructs the Nigeria Police Force to maintain the status quo until the matter is fully heard. However, the police maintain they have not been formally served with the order. CSP Benjamin Hundan, Force public relations officer, told reporters on Saturday that the force “has not received any official notice” and therefore “will continue with the enforcement as planned.”

Reactions from senior police officials

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad assured the public that the enforcement is about “maintaining a safe and secure environment” and appealed for cooperation.

In the Zone 5 command, Assistant Inspector‑General Salma‑Dogo Garba emphasized that the operation also targets unauthorised use of sirens, revolving lights, police SPY, and unallocated official number plates. “We are working closely with the judiciary to resolve any legal ambiguities while protecting road safety,” she said.

Impact on motorists and everyday life

For many Nigerians, the new mandate translates into extra paperwork, fees, and the risk of vehicle seizure. In Lagos, the state police command has already begun stopping cars with dark windows and demanding permits. Drivers who cannot secure a permit are being advised to either remove the tints or replace the glass with transparent panels, a process that can cost between ₦150,000 and ₦350,000 depending on the vehicle model.

Transport unions have voiced concerns that the crackdown could disrupt commercial activities, especially for boda‑boda riders and mini‑bus operators who rely on tinted windows for privacy and heat reduction. A spokesperson for the National Association of Transport Owners, who asked to remain anonymous, warned that “the sudden enforcement without a grace period could push informal operators into illegal activities.”

What’s next? Court hearing and potential adjustments

The Warri High Court hearing is slated for 15 November 2025. Legal experts predict that a ruling in favour of the petitioner could force the police to revise the permit scheme or seek legislative amendment.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has indicated it will continue to enforce the permit requirement in states where no court order has been issued, including Lagos, Kaduna, and Edo. Motorists are urged to check the online portal, verify their vehicle details, and obtain the permit before the Thursday deadline to avoid penalties.