Isiyaku Ahmed
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has responded to a Punch Newspaper publication of 5th September 2025 that the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has dragged the Inspector-General of Police to court over the tinted-glass permit policy, insisting that the policy is legal, transparent, and backed by law.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police cited Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, which empowers the IGP or any authorised officer to grant or approve permits for tinted glass.
The Act also requires applicants to provide valid reasons, such as health or security concerns, before approval can be given.
According to the Police, the regulation aligns with their mandate of crime prevention, as tinted-glass permits are crucial in curbing violent crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and “one-chance” operations.
The Force also clarified that charges associated with obtaining the permits are “processing fees” used for maintaining the digital infrastructure supporting the service.
This, it said, is legally provided for under Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which allows the Police to render specialized services at a fee.
Highlighting the successes of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), the Police noted that numerous stolen vehicles have been tracked and recovered nationwide through the system.
Rejecting claims that the permit policy lacks legality and transparency, the Police described such allegations as “misleading and a calculated attempt to cast aspersions on the image, integrity, and lawful operations of the Force.”
IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun reaffirmed the commitment of the NPF to professionalism, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights. He assured Nigerians of the Force’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property while upholding the rule of law.
