The Nigeria Police Force has defended the legality of its tinted-glass permit policy following a lawsuit filed by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) against the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
The NBA is challenging the authority of the Police to issue permits for vehicles with tinted windows.
But the Force, in a statement issued today by its spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, insisted that the policy is backed by law and serves critical security purposes.
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Citing Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, Hundeyin explained that the Inspector-General of Police, or any officer duly authorised by him, is empowered to approve or grant tinted-glass permits.
He added that Section 1(2) of the same Act requires applicants to provide valid reasons, such as health or security grounds, before approval is granted.
According to him, the regulation is vital in the fight against violent crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism and “one chance” operations, which often involve vehicles with obscured visibility.
The Police also clarified that fees attached to the permits are strictly processing charges, meant to maintain the digital infrastructure supporting the service.
Hundeyin pointed to Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which empowers the Force to render specialised services to the public at a fee.
He highlighted the success of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), a platform that has enabled the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles nationwide.
“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,” the statement read in part.
IGP Egbetokun, according to Hundeyin, reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring transparency in its operations.
The NBA’s legal challenge marks the latest in a long-running public debate over tinted-glass permits in Nigeria.
While the Police argue that the policy is essential for crime prevention, many motorists have complained of harassment and extortion during enforcement, fuelling calls for its abolition.
