Africa
Tinted Permit Concerns: Egbetokun Is A Compassionate IGP -By Adewole Kehinde
There is no doubt that tinted vehicles have often been exploited for criminal purposes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, ‘one-chance’ scams, and other forms of banditry, but with the review of the cost and capturing system, many Nigerians will comply with the Nigeria police in providing a standardised system that accommodates legitimate use while ensuring public safety.
According to the Force spokesperson, the move comes in response to rising concerns and complaints from the public over the harassment of vehicle owners by law enforcement agents for using factory-fitted tinted windows.
The history of tinted glass permits in Nigeria involves a series of policy shifts and enforcement cycles related to using tinted windows on vehicles.
Initially, in 1991, a decree prohibited tinting, and while not strongly enforced, this law remained in effect. In recent years, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reactivated the issuance of tinted glass permits, citing concerns about the misuse of tinted windows for criminal activities and the need for a more transparent and accountable process.
This move comes after widespread public complaints about harassment related to tinted windows and a desire to distinguish legitimate users from those potentially exploiting tinted glass for criminal purposes.
The policy shift has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about the cost and potential for corruption, while others welcome the move towards a more transparent and accountable system.
I received lots of messages, especially online, concerning the tinted permit, especially on the N14,200 charges.
Some activists are gearing up for protests against the exorbitant fees.
I did lots of publicity for the electronic Central Motor Registry (eCMR) issued by the Nigeria Police because of the advantage of enabling effective tracking of stolen vehicles, facilitating prompt recovery by law enforcement at a modest fee of ₦6,000, which is paid into the Treasury Single Account (TSA). In this system, all government revenue and payments are channelled through a single account or linked accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In contrast, the ₦14,200 for Tint Permit is paid to a private account (POSSAP – PARKWAY (READY CASH)) instead of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a single account or linked accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Due to the various complaints from Nigerians, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, through the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has agreed to review the concerns raised on the tinted permit.
The statement read: TINTED GLASS PERMIT UPDATE
“The Force Headquarters is aware of the concerns raised by the public regarding the tinted glass permit.
“The Inspector-General of Police is looking into the concerns, and an official update will be communicated before the end of the grace period—May 30th.
“Thank you for your patience.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is a very compassionate IGP who feels what the people feel and gives a listening ear.
I am very sure that in the days to come, many Nigerians will commend the IGP on the review of the tinted permit.
There is no doubt that tinted vehicles have often been exploited for criminal purposes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, ‘one-chance’ scams, and other forms of banditry, but with the review of the cost and capturing system, many Nigerians will comply with the Nigeria police in providing a standardised system that accommodates legitimate use while ensuring public safety.
Adewole Kehinde is a Public Affairs Analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846 @kennyadewole kennyadewole@gmail.com
