The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed criticisms by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit policy, insisting that the regulation is lawful, security-driven and not a revenue-generating scheme.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Friday, December 19, 2025, to affirm that the security institution is desperate to implement the public rejected controversial policy, the Force said it was compelled to respond to recent public comments credited to the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, which it described as containing material misrepresentations capable of misleading the public and undermining institutional clarity.
The police stressed that it operates strictly within the provisions of the Constitution, existing laws and valid court orders, noting that it has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court on the issue of tinted glass permits.
The statement stated, “The Nigeria Police Force remains a law-abiding institution. Respect for the judiciary and adherence to due process are non-negotiable pillars of police governance”, adding that the policy is being implemented under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Contrary to claims attributed to the NBA president, the Force said the regulation of tinted vehicle glass is firmly rooted in law, specifically the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which it noted is an Act of the National Assembly and not a military decree.
According to the police, Section 2(3)(a) of the Act empowers the Inspector-General of Police to issue tinted glass permits, while Section 1(2) requires applicants to show valid security or health-related reasons.
The policy, it said, was designed to curb crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and terrorism, which are often perpetrated using vehicles with obscured windows.
The Force also rejected claims that the permit process was intended to generate revenue, stressing that the police is not a revenue-generating agency.
While acknowledging that certain funds may accrue incidentally in the course of its duties, the police cited Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which recognises its legal authority to receive such funds in the discharge of statutory responsibilities.
On the automated permit process, the police explained that the Federal Government approved the Police Specialised Services Automation Project to improve efficiency and security.
The project, which received Federal Executive Council approval in July 2022, is being implemented under a lawful Public-Private Partnership arrangement authorised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act.
Under the framework, the Force said applications for tinted glass permits are processed online, subjected to security screening and approved strictly in line with the law.
It added that administrative fees paid by applicants are used solely to maintain the technology infrastructure, data security systems and operational platforms supporting the process, and do not amount to revenue generation by the Nigeria Police Force.
The police reiterated their commitment to public safety, national security and the rule of law, urging stakeholders to engage constructively and be guided by accurate legal interpretations.
