In a significant move to address mounting public concerns and tighten national security, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reintroduced the issuance of Tinted Glass Permits (TGP) via a newly enhanced digital platform, accessible at https://possap.gov.ng. The initiative, championed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is expected to streamline the process of obtaining permits for vehicles with tinted windows while curbing their misuse for criminal activities.
This development follows increasing complaints from motorists who have been subjected to harassment over the use of factory-fitted tinted glass—a feature now common in many modern vehicles. With the global auto industry producing cars equipped with tinted windows as a standard safety and comfort measure, the reactivation of this permit system is seen as a practical response to societal and technological realities. According to the Force, the new system is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and ease of access for legitimate users, while enhancing the operational capacity of law enforcement personnel.
Over the years, tinted vehicles have been linked to several criminal acts, ranging from kidnapping to armed robbery and the notorious “one-chance” scams that have plagued commuters in many Nigerian cities. These crimes are often perpetrated with tinted cars that shield offenders from public view, hampering police efforts to monitor and intercept suspects. The NPF believes that by regulating the use of tinted windows through a secure digital permit process, the Force can better identify legitimate users—including those with medical needs or security-related roles—and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the feature.
The reactivated system is integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN) databases to ensure proper identity verification. Applicants are also subjected to biometric capture and background checks, in a bid to maintain high security standards. Successful applicants will receive QR-coded digital permits, and the system promises a swift turnaround time of 72 hours from application to issuance.
To facilitate a seamless transition, the Police have approved a 30-day compliance window starting May 1, 2025. Motorists are expected to regularize their tinted glass status within this grace period, after which full enforcement will begin. The NPF has also sounded a clear warning to its officers, emphasizing that any form of misconduct—such as extortion or intimidation during enforcement—will not be tolerated and will attract disciplinary measures in line with established regulations.
The Inspector-General has restated his administration’s dedication to fostering a citizen-oriented, technology-driven policing model aimed at improving public trust and safety. He called on Nigerians to support the initiative, stressing that it represents a forward-thinking approach to policing in a complex and fast-evolving security environment.
With this move, the Police Force not only hopes to reduce the risks posed by unauthorized tinted vehicles but also to reinforce its commitment to a safer, more orderly society through efficient service delivery and responsible governance.
