In a significant policy shift aimed at balancing public safety with citizens’ rights, the Nigeria Police Force has officially resumed the nationwide issuance of tinted glass permits, ending a suspension that lasted over two years.
The announcement came via a press release issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun. The new directive mandates the issuance of permits through a secure digital platform, https://possap.gov.ng, starting May 1, 2025.
According to Adejobi, the decision to relaunch the permit system comes in response to increasing public complaints over the harassment of motorists with factory-fitted tinted windows. Many vehicle owners have faced unwarranted scrutiny from security operatives, despite driving legally manufactured cars.
“With modern automobiles increasingly designed with factory-fitted tinted glass for comfort, aesthetics, and UV protection, the Nigeria Police saw the need to provide a transparent, accountable framework for legalizing such vehicles,” the statement noted.
However, the Force emphasized that the misuse of tinted glass vehicles has had dire implications for public safety. “Criminals have exploited tinted vehicles for nefarious purposes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and ‘one-chance’ operations. These criminal activities compromise visibility for law enforcement officers and endanger lives,” Adejobi added.
The new digital permit system features advanced security measures, including National Identification Number (NIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN) integration, biometric verification, background checks, and QR-coded digital permits. The application process is expected to be completed within 72 hours, with applicants receiving permits that can be easily authenticated by security personnel.
To allow for compliance, the Police have announced a 30-day grace period beginning May 1, after which enforcement will begin in full. Law enforcement agents have been cautioned against abusing the process, and the IGP has vowed to sanction officers found guilty of extortion or unprofessional conduct during enforcement.
IGP Egbetokun reiterated that the initiative is part of a broader commitment to technologically-driven, citizen-focused policing. He urged Nigerians to take advantage of the digital system to regularize their tinted glass usage and help restore public confidence in law enforcement.
In addition to security purposes, the resumed issuance is expected to standardize data collection and vehicle profiling, aiding crime investigations and improving intelligence sharing across agencies.
This move aligns with the Federal Government’s broader digital governance reforms, seeking to reduce bottlenecks and eliminate corruption through efficient, tech-enabled public service delivery.
As the implementation begins, stakeholders have called for public sensitization to ensure that citizens understand the application process, benefits, and compliance expectations.
The resumed permit system marks a step forward in building trust between law enforcement and citizens while reinforcing the importance of responsible vehicle use in the collective fight against crime and insecurity.