The Nigeria Police Force is considering ending the ban on cars with tinted windows, but they plan to introduce strict rules to prevent misuse and ensure that everyone follows the guidelines for obtaining and using tinted glass permits.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, mentioned in a statement on Thursday that the police will conduct special training for ICT analysts and officers responsible for enforcing these rules across the country to guarantee compliance.
The police had previously stopped issuing permits for tinted glass in June 2022 because of worries that criminals were using tinted windows for illegal activities like kidnapping, armed robbery, smuggling weapons, and human trafficking.
Now, considering allowing tinted glass again, the police are implementing “stringent measures to prevent abuse and ensure strict compliance with guidelines governing the issuance and use of tinted glass permits.”
Training for ICT analysts and enforcement officers is planned for February 29, 2024, in preparation for the reintroduction of tinted glass permits. This training aims “to equip ICT Analysts and Enforcement Officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to regulate the registration process, guide registrants on the use of the portal where required, attend to complaints from members of the public, and enforce compliance effectively.”
The upcoming tinted glass permits will feature unique elements to improve the police’s ability to enforce the rules and enhance security. These include “a QR code linked to a central database for real-time verification, unique serial numbers correlated with vehicle and owner details, as well as a digital hologram ensuring authenticity and integrity, among other measures.”
The police emphasized that the procedure for obtaining a tinted glass permit and the regulations for using tinted windows would strictly follow the “MOTOR VEHICLES (PROHIBITION OF TINTED GLASS) ACT 1991 and other relevant extant laws.” This approach highlights the police’s commitment to prioritizing public safety while respecting individual rights and national security interests.
The Nigeria Police Force has promised to keep the public updated on the progress of reintroducing tinted glass permits, showing their dedication to “transparency and accountability in its efforts to maintain internal security.”