In recent times, the Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified its campaign urging motorists to register their vehicles with tinted glass.
This drive, aimed at bolstering national security and ensuring proper documentation, has however been met with mixed reactions, especially due to widespread allegations of police exploitation and harassment on Nigerian roads.
Why the Government Wants Tinted Glass Registered
According to the Nigeria Police Force and relevant government agencies, the move to enforce tinted glass permits is rooted in national security concerns.
The logic is simple: vehicles with darkened windows can potentially be used to conceal identities or transport weapons, thereby aiding criminal activities such as kidnapping, robbery, or terrorism.
To address this, motorists are required to apply for a tinted glass permit through the Nigeria Police’s online portal. This registration process is expected to create a database that allows security operatives to identify authorized users and differentiate them from those using tint for illicit purposes.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recently reiterated that the registration is not a punishment but a preventive measure. “We are not targeting innocent Nigerians. What we are doing is ensuring that our roads and communities are safer,” he said.
The Reality on Nigerian Roads
However, the good intentions behind the policy are often marred by the conduct of some law enforcement officers. For many motorists, encounters with police officers at checkpoints over tinted glass issues have turned into scenes of extortion, intimidation, and even brutality.
Numerous drivers have taken to social media to share experiences where police officers demand bribes despite the driver presenting a valid tinted permit or using factory-fitted light tints that do not require authorization. Some officers reportedly seize vehicle documents, demand outrageous “settlement” fees, or threaten arrest—all in the name of enforcing tinted glass laws.
A civil servant in Lagos Adeyinka Ogunleye , recounted: “I showed them my permit, yet the officer said it looked fake and asked me to pay ₦10,000 before he would let me go. I refused, and they held me for over two hours.”
Calls for Reform and Oversight
Human rights activists and civil society organizations have called on the Nigerian Police Force to train officers on the proper application of the law. They argue that the arbitrary interpretation of the policy only erodes public trust and increases corruption on the highways.
“The tinted glass registration policy may be valid on paper, but in practice, it’s become a tool for daily extortion,” said Hauwa Ibrahim, a legal advocate based in Abuja. “The government must establish a monitoring mechanism to track the behavior of officers and punish those found guilty of abuse.”
What the Law Says
It’s important to clarify that not all tinted glass requires a permit. Factory-fitted light tints that do not obstruct visibility are generally allowed without special documentation. The requirement primarily targets heavily darkened or aftermarket-tinted vehicles.
Moreover, Section 66(2) of the National Road Traffic Regulation (2012) mandates motorists to obtain police permission before using any tinted materials that obscure the interior of a vehicle.
The Way Forward
To rebuild confidence in the system, stakeholders suggest: Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about what constitutes illegal tint.
Transparent and simplified application for permits through verified digital platforms.
Independent complaint channels for victims of police extortion. Strict punishment for erring officers to deter abuse of power.
The government must strike a balance between security and civil rights. While the registration of tinted glass is a step toward better road security, it should not become another avenue for law enforcement officers to exploit ordinary Nigerians struggling through daily life.
Until then, many motorists will continue to see tinted glass checkpoints not as safety measures but as toll gates for unlawful police revenue.
Article written by Bankole Orimisan, a journalist and public analyst, based in Lagos, Nigeria.
