The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed reports questioning the legality of its tinted-glass permit policy, stressing that its operations are firmly backed by law and designed to curb violent crimes across the country.
The clarification followed a report that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to court over the issuance of tinted-glass permits.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Punch Newspaper’s report of September 5 had created “misinformation” that needed to be corrected.
Quoting the relevant provisions, he explained:
“Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004 empowers the Inspector-General of Police or any person duly authorised by him to grant or approve the permit. Furthermore, Section 1(2) of the same Act provides that an applicant must show good cause either on health grounds or for security reasons before the use of tinted glass can be approved.”
According to the NPF, the regulation is in line with its core mandate to prevent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and “one chance” operations.
On the issue of charges, Adejobi clarified that fees attached to the permits were “purely processing fees” used to maintain the digital infrastructure that supports the service.
“This is well within the law as provided under Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which empowers the Police to render specialised services to the public at a fee,” he added.
He further highlighted the achievements of the Force’s Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which has reportedly led to the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles nationwide.
While reacting to criticisms, the Police described allegations that the policy lacked transparency or constitutional validity as “untrue and misleading.”
“Such claims are nothing but a calculated attempt to cast aspersions on the image, integrity, and lawful operations of the Force,” the statement stressed.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, also reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the rule of law, professionalism, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“We remain steadfast in our pursuit of a safer and more secure nation for all, guided by transparency and accountability,” he assured.
The NPF called on Nigerians to disregard misconceptions around the policy and continue to cooperate with the Force in its efforts to ensure security across the country.
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