Mixed Reactions As Nigeria Police Announces N14,200 Fee For Annual Car Tinted Glass Permit

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

A cacophony of reactions has greeted the announcement by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that vehicle owners seeking a tinted glass permit are now required to pay an annual fee of N14,200, effective immediately. 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the development revealed over the weekend targets to streamline the regulation of tinted windows across the country while addressing security concerns linked to their misuse.

OTN News observes that the announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some netizens praising the clarity of the new system while others have raised questions on the cost structure, describing it as an additional financial burden on Nigerians.

A statement shared on the official channels of the Force reveal that the Digital Tinted Glass Permit System has been reactivated, allowing motorists to apply online through the portal at https://npf.gov.ng/tinted. The processing time is expected to take 72 hours, with a 30-day compliance grace period running from 1 to 30 May 2025. 

The NPF emphasized that the permit is mandatory for vehicles with tinted windows, particularly those with factory-fitted tinted glass, to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act 1991.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of tinted glass regulations, which saw a temporary ban on permits in June 2022 due to concerns over their role in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and human trafficking. The NPF lifted the ban in February 2024, introducing stricter guidelines and a digital application process to enhance transparency and enforcement. 

Police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi noted that the fee structure and online system aim to eliminate unauthorised use of tinted glass while ensuring a hassle-free experience for law-abiding citizens.

The application process is straightforward. Vehicle owners must register on the NPF’s tinted permit portal, provide proof of ownership, driver’s licence, and car insurance details, and submit to biometric verification at a state police command Once approved, the permit is downloadable as a PDF, which must be carried in the vehicle at all times to avoid penalties, including fines of up to N50,000 or six months’ imprisonment. The NPF has also clarified that permits are non-transferable and require renewal annually, with certain government officials and security agencies potentially exempt.

The N14,200 fee has, however, drawn criticisms among Nigerians. Prominent activist @segalink called the cost “indefensible and highly insensitive,” arguing that it places an undue burden on economically vulnerable Nigerians. He urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to reconsider the levy, suggesting it manipulates legal provisions for profit.

Another critic, @Caulcrick_ , labelled the fee “fraudulent,” pointing out that the penalty for driving without a permit is only N2,000, and questioned the legality of the fee under the 1991 Act, which stems from a military decree.

Supporters of the fee argue it reflects the administrative costs of processing and enforcement. A Lagos-based motorist, Chidi Okoye, told reporters, “If N14,200 ensures I’m not harassed at checkpoints and the system is transparent, I’m fine with it. The online process sounds better than the old days of endless queues.” Real estate agent Amina Yusuf added, “Tinted windows are a necessity for privacy in Lagos traffic. The fee is reasonable if it means legal compliance and peace of mind.”

Futhermore, NPF has defended the fee, stating that it aligns with government regulations and supports efforts to maintain national security. The force also highlighted recent training for ICT analysts and enforcement officers to ensure smooth implementation of the digital system, which includes online verification to curb fake permits.

The tinted glass permit remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, where tinted windows are popular for privacy, security, and protection from the sun’s glare. With Lagos’s population exceeding 20 million and a housing deficit driving up living costs, as seen in recent government action against exploitative landlords, the new fee adds another layer of expense for residents. 

However, the NPF insists the system will enhance road safety and reduce criminal activity, offering a modernised approach to a long-standing challenge.

As the 30-day grace period ticks away, the NPF has urged motorists to apply promptly to avoid enforcement actions. For more details, vehicle owners can visit the official NPF website or contact their local police command.