With two days left before the August 12 deadline for tinted glass permits, the Nigeria Police Force has not said how it will enforce the rule, leaving many car owners worried. The permit process was restarted in May to curb crimes linked to tinted cars, with a grace period later extended to August 12 to make it easier for people to comply.
The silence from the police has caused fears that officers may use the situation to extort motorists. Some drivers are avoiding police checkpoints, unsure if enforcement will start right after the deadline or be extended again.
Many motorists complain that the N16,000 fee is too high, especially during tough economic times with high fuel and electricity costs. Others say they should not have to pay for factory-installed tints and that it should be part of normal car registration.
Critics argue the policy is not a priority compared to Nigeria’s bigger security problems. They warn it could be used for harassment and call on President Bola Tinubu to stop the exercise.
