The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed the legal foundation of its Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy, countering claims made by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Afam Osigwe, as misleading.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, emphasized that the policy is grounded in law and intended to enhance public safety and national security, rather than generate revenue.
Titled “Nigeria Police Force And the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy: Upholding the Rule of Law, Safeguarding Public Safety, And Respecting Due Process,” the statement clarified the Force’s position following public remarks attributed to the NBA president.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains a law-abiding institution operating strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extant statutes, and valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction,” Hundeyin stated.
He highlighted that the regulation of tinted glass is not arbitrary, noting that it is anchored in the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
“The Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation (LFN), 2004 is an Act of the National Assembly and NOT a military decree as misrepresented by the President of NBA,” the statement emphasized.
The police explained that Section 2(3)(a) of the Act authorizes the Inspector-General of Police to issue tinted glass permits, with applicants required to provide valid security or health justifications.
Hundeyin added that the policy aims to curb crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism, which are often linked to the use of heavily tinted vehicles.
“It is therefore incorrect and misleading to portray the policy as a revenue-driven initiative,” he said.
The Force also refuted allegations that permit payments were directed into private accounts, describing the claims as false.
“Parkway Projects Limited is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed Payment Services Provider, engaged by the Federal Government as a payment collection channel for the Vehicle Tint Permit Project, in the same manner as platforms such as Remita,” the statement explained.
According to the police, fees collected from applicants are used solely to maintain the technology and security systems that support the automated permit process, not for revenue generation.
On the matter of enforcement, Hundeyin noted that the earlier suspension of the policy was a voluntary action following stakeholder engagement, not a court order.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no court has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Police Force on this matter,” he said.
He assured that enforcement will be carried out professionally and in compliance with rights, warning that any officer found guilty of extortion or abuse will face sanctions.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates that extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority by any police officer will not be tolerated,” the statement concluded.
The Force called for calm and responsible public dialogue, affirming its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights.
