The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly defended its tinted-glass permit policy, dismissing claims that it is illegal, opaque, or unconstitutional. This comes after reports on September 5, 2025, that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to court over the controversial regulation.
Speaking on the matter, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the media reports as “misleading” and warned against attempts to confuse Nigerians on an issue that touches directly on public safety.
> “It is pertinent to set the records straight to avoid misinformation to the good citizens of Nigeria on the legality of the issuance of tinted permits by the Police,” Hundeyin said.
Legal Backing for Permits
Quoting Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, the Force maintained that the IGP, or any officer duly authorised by him, has full powers to grant or deny permits for tinted glasses. The law, it added, requires that applicants must demonstrate a “good cause” — either for health reasons or security considerations — before approval can be issued.
According to Hundeyin, the regulation is not a bureaucratic ritual but a crucial security measure designed to check the rising wave of violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and “one-chance” operations.
Fees Are Legal, Not Extortion
Addressing allegations of extortion, the Police clarified that the charges attached to the acquisition of the permit are strictly “processing fees” used to maintain the digital infrastructure supporting the service.
Citing Section 26 (e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, Hundeyin explained that the Force is empowered to render specialised services to the public at a fee, stressing that the process is legal, transparent, and accountable.
Successes of Digital Policing
The NPF highlighted the success of its Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), a digital platform credited with helping track and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide. The system, officials said, demonstrates how technology-backed policing is saving Nigerians from crime while aligning the Force with global best practices.
Rejecting what it called “deliberate attempts” to malign its operations, the Police insisted that the tinted permit regime is lawful and indispensable.
> “The alleged claims by individuals and groups that the tinted permit policy is not legal, transparent, and constitutionally valid are not only untrue and misleading but also a calculated attempt to cast aspersions on the image, integrity, and lawful operations of the Force,” Hundeyin declared.
IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, also weighed in, assuring Nigerians that the Police remain committed to protecting the rule of law and citizens’ fundamental rights.
> “Our mission is clear — to safeguard lives and property, uphold professionalism, and build a safer, more secure Nigeria in full transparency,” the IGP said.
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