The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has restated the legal foundation and security rationale behind the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy, dismissing recent claims attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, as misleading and inaccurate.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the Force said the regulation of tinted vehicle glass is firmly grounded in law, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, LFN 2004. According to the police, the Act, passed by the National Assembly, empowers the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to issue permits, subject to applicants providing legitimate security or health-related reasons.
The NPF, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and respect for judicial authority, stressing that it has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court. The Force noted that it remains mindful of pending litigation on the matter, including Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, in which judgment has been reserved.
Addressing allegations that the policy is revenue-driven, the police said the Force is not a revenue-generating organisation. However, it is legally permitted to receive funds incidental to its statutory duties under the Police Act, 2020. The statement explained that administrative fees associated with the automated tinted glass permit system are used solely to maintain technology infrastructure and data security, not as police revenue.
The NPF also clarified that the automated permit process, approved by the Federal Executive Council in July 2022, is implemented through a lawful Public-Private Partnership under the supervision of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission. It dismissed claims that payments are made into private accounts, stating that Parkway Projects Limited is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed payment service provider engaged by the Federal Government, similar to other recognised government payment platforms.
On enforcement, the Force recalled that implementation of the policy had earlier been suspended voluntarily following consultations with stakeholders, including the NBA, and public appeals. It emphasised that the suspension was an act of goodwill rather than a result of any court order, noting that a Federal High Court in Warri had refused an application for an interim injunction against enforcement.
The police maintained that the indiscriminate use of heavily tinted vehicles has aided crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism, undermining surveillance and intelligence-led policing. It added that the enhanced permit system was introduced to standardise vetting nationwide, eliminate extortion, and improve security oversight.
While assuring that any lawful enforcement would be professional and rights-compliant, the IGP warned that extortion, harassment, or abuse by officers would attract severe disciplinary sanctions. The Force, however, cautioned against using isolated misconduct to discredit the institution as a whole.
The NPF also disclosed awareness of reports that a fresh suit may have been filed at a Delta State High Court despite existing cases, adding that it has not yet been served with any court processes and will respond appropriately upon service.
Reaffirming its constitutional mandate, the Police called for calm, responsible public discourse and respect for judicial processes as the courts determine the issues. The statement was signed by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
