The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed the legality of its Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy, dismissing recent criticisms attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Osigwe, as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin in Abuja , the Police said the policy is firmly rooted in law and aimed at safeguarding public safety and national security, not revenue generation.
According to the NPF, the regulation of tinted vehicle glass is backed by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004—an Act of the National Assembly, not a military decree as alleged. The Force explained that the law empowers the Inspector-General of Police to issue tinted glass permits based on legitimate security or health-related needs.
The Police stressed that it operates strictly within the framework of the Constitution, extant laws, and valid court orders, adding that it has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court. It clarified that no court has issued an injunction restraining the Force from enforcing the policy, noting that an application for interim injunction was refused by a Federal High Court sitting in Warri.
Addressing allegations that the policy is revenue-driven, the NPF stated that it is not a revenue-generating institution. However, it acknowledged that the Police Act, 2020 permits the Force to receive funds incidental to its statutory duties.
The administrative fees associated with tinted glass permits, the Police said, are solely used to maintain the technology and infrastructure supporting the automated application system.
The statement further explained that the automated permit process was introduced under the Police Specialized Services Automation Project, approved by the Federal Executive Council in July 2022 and implemented through a lawful Public-Private Partnership. The system allows for online applications, security vetting, and nationwide standardisation.
The Force also dismissed claims that payments are made into private accounts, clarifying that Parkway Projects Limited, mentioned in the allegations, is a Central Bank of Nigeria licensed payment service provider, similar to Remita. It noted that references described as “private account numbers” are merely transaction identifiers used for payment reconciliation into government channels.
While acknowledging that some motorists desire tinted glass for privacy or protection from sunlight, the Police warned that indiscriminate use of heavily tinted vehicles has aided crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism by obstructing surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The NPF recalled that enforcement of the policy was earlier suspended voluntarily as a goodwill gesture following stakeholder engagement, including discussions with the NBA. It said the suspension was not due to any court order and that any future enforcement would be carried out professionally and in full compliance with the law.
The Police assured Nigerians that extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority by officers would not be tolerated, warning that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action. However, it cautioned against using isolated cases of misconduct to malign the institution as a whole.
The Force also confirmed awareness of reports that a fresh suit may have been filed on the matter at a Delta State High Court, noting that it has not yet been served and will respond appropriately once served.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, urged calm, responsible public discourse and respect for judicial processes as the courts continue to consider the issues surrounding the tinted glass permit policy.
Discover more from Inside Abuja Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
