Amanze Chinonye
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rejected claims by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, that the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy is arbitrary, revenue-driven, or in contempt of court, insisting that the policy is firmly rooted in law and essential for public safety.
In a press statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police said recent comments credited to the NBA president contained “material misrepresentations” that required clarification in the interest of public order and national security.
The Force stressed that it remains a law-abiding institution operating within the framework of the 1999 Constitution, extant statutes, and valid court orders, adding that under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, it has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court.
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According to the Police, the regulation of vehicle tinted glass is not discretionary but anchored on the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, which it noted is an Act of the National Assembly and not a military decree, as alleged. The statement cited Section 2(3)(a) of the Act, which empowers the Inspector-General of Police to issue permits, and Section 1(2), which requires applicants to provide legitimate security or health-related justification.
The Force said the policy was designed to address public safety concerns, particularly the use of obscured vehicles in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and terrorism, and described as misleading the portrayal of the initiative as a revenue-generating scheme.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating organisation,” the statement said, while noting that Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act, 2020 recognises the Force’s authority to receive funds accruing incidentally from its statutory functions.
On the automated tinted glass permit system, the Police explained that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in July 2022 and implemented through a lawful Public-Private Partnership under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Act. It said the administrative fees paid by applicants were used solely to maintain the technology infrastructure and security architecture, not to generate revenue for the Police.
The Force also dismissed allegations that payments were made into private accounts, describing them as false. It clarified that Parkway Projects Limited, mentioned in the claims, is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed payment services provider engaged as a collection channel, similar to Remita, and that the reference numbers cited were transaction identifiers, not bank accounts.
While acknowledging that some motorists prefer tinted glass for privacy or protection from sunlight, the Police argued that indiscriminate use of heavily tinted vehicles undermines traffic surveillance and intelligence-led policing. It said the enhanced permit system was introduced to standardise applications nationwide, improve vetting and eliminate extortion associated with the previous manual process.
The Police further clarified that enforcement of the policy was earlier suspended voluntarily following engagements with the NBA and public appeals, not as a result of any court order. It noted that in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, judgment has been reserved, and that no court has issued a restraining order against the Force, as an application for interim injunction was refused by a Federal High Court sitting in Warri.
The statement added that the Force was aware of reports that a fresh suit had allegedly been filed at a Delta State High Court despite the pendency of earlier cases, but said it had not been served with any court processes.
The Inspector-General of Police reassured Nigerians that enforcement of the policy, where lawfully undertaken, would be professional and rights-compliant, warning that extortion, harassment or abuse of authority by officers would attract severe disciplinary action.
The Police called for calm and responsible public discourse, urging respect for judicial processes as the courts determine the issues before them.
Prime Business Africa reports that the tinted glass permit policy has continued to generate public debate, particularly over its enforcement and implications for motorists amid Nigeria’s security challenges.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
