The initiative, which began on Friday, October 3, follows the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to regulate tinted glass usage nationwide, sparking mixed reactions among residents and drivers in the state.

According to a statement from the Niger State Police Command, officers have been deployed to checkpoints across Minna and other major towns to verify compliance through a digital portal linked to the Nigeria Police Force. 

SP Wasiu Abiodun, the command’s spokesperson, explained that the policy aims to curb criminal activities facilitated by tinted vehicles, such as kidnapping and armed robbery. 

“Non-compliance will attract penalties, but we urge motorists to cooperate to enhance public safety,” Abiodun said.

The enforcement has drawn criticism from motorists, who argue the policy is a pretext for extortion, especially given the prevalence of factory-fitted tints in modern vehicles. 

“Why should I pay for a permit when my car came with tinted glass?” asked Suleiman Idris, a Minna-based driver. 

Others expressed concerns over the affordability of the permit fees amid economic hardships.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has challenged the policy’s legality, filing a lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police, alleging it violates constitutional rights. 

Despite the pending court case, enforcement has proceeded, intensifying debates over its fairness. 

The Niger State Police Command has called for calm, assuring residents that exemptions apply to certain vehicles, including those of dignitaries and those with factory-fitted tints, pending verification.