Police Defends Legality of Tinted Glass Permit Amid NBA Lawsuit

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has responded to recent reports that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to court over the policy requiring motorists to obtain permits before using tinted vehicle glass. The Punch Newspaper report of September 5, 2025, which disclosed the NBA’s legal challenge, prompted the Force to issue a formal statement clarifying the legality and purpose of the regulation.

In the statement released on Wednesday from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stressed that the tinted glass permit policy is grounded in law, constitutionally valid, and crucial for national security.

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Legal Backing for Tinted Glass Permits

According to Hundeyin, the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004 provides the legal foundation for the issuance of tinted permits. Specifically, Section 2(3a) of the Act empowers the Inspector-General of Police, or any officer duly authorised by him, to grant or approve such permits.

Furthermore, Section 1(2) of the same Act stipulates that any applicant must demonstrate good cause before approval can be given. Acceptable reasons, Hundeyin noted, include medical grounds — such as cases where tinted windows are required for health conditions — or security concerns where exposure could endanger the applicant’s safety.

By highlighting these provisions, the Force underscored that the permit system is not arbitrary but structured within a clear legal framework that balances individual needs with public security.

A Crime Prevention Tool

The Police spokesperson emphasized that the essence of the tinted glass permit is consistent with the Force’s core mandate of crime prevention. He argued that unrestricted use of tinted glass could hinder law enforcement operations and create opportunities for violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and “one chance” operations (where unsuspecting passengers are attacked by criminals posing as commercial vehicle operators).

“Tinted permits serve as a critical tool in curbing crimes that exploit concealment,” Hundeyin said, insisting that the regulation strengthens the capacity of security agencies to monitor and protect the public.

Clarification on Fees and Services

Addressing concerns raised in public debates, Hundeyin clarified that the charges attached to the acquisition of tinted permits are not arbitrary levies but processing fees. These fees, he explained, are directed towards maintaining the digital infrastructure that supports the permit system.

He further referred to 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. According to him, the tinted glass permit falls under such specialised services, making the associated charges lawful.

Hundeyin also pointed to the success of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), another modernised service run by the Police. The e-CMR has enabled the tracking and recovery of numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, serving as proof that such specialised services are not only legal but beneficial to the public.

Refuting Misconceptions

The statement strongly dismissed claims by individuals and groups suggesting that the tinted permit policy lacks legality, transparency, or constitutional validity. Hundeyin described such allegations as “untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to cast aspersions on the image, integrity, and lawful operations of the Force.”

He stressed that the Police remain committed to accountability and transparency in the execution of the permit system and urged Nigerians not to be swayed by misinformation.

IGP’s Commitment to Rule of Law

Reaffirming the position of the Force leadership, Hundeyin quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, as reiterating his commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

The IGP assured citizens that the Force is dedicated to professionalism and transparency in carrying out its duties. He emphasized that the tinted glass permit policy is not designed to inconvenience law-abiding citizens but to enhance public safety and national security.

“The Nigeria Police will continue to protect the rights of individuals while ensuring that those rights are exercised within the boundaries of the law. The objective remains a safer and more secure Nigeria for all,” the IGP was quoted as saying.

Broader Implications

The NBA’s decision to take the matter to court has sparked national debate, reflecting long-standing tensions between civil liberties and security measures in Nigeria. Critics argue that the permit system has sometimes been abused, leading to harassment of motorists and bureaucratic bottlenecks. Supporters, however, contend that given Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, such measures are necessary to prevent criminals from exploiting tinted glass for concealment.

By reaffirming the legal foundation of the policy, the Police appear determined to defend their authority to regulate the use of tinted glass. The court case, observers note, will likely provide an opportunity to test the strength of the Police’s interpretation of the law and possibly clarify grey areas in enforcement

As the legal battle unfolds, the Nigeria Police Force has sought to reassure citizens that the tinted glass permit policy is lawful, transparent, and rooted in security imperatives. By referencing explicit provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Police Act, the Force has made its case that the regulation is both constitutional and necessary.

While the Nigerian Bar Association presses ahead with its legal challenge, the Police leadership has pledged to remain committed to professionalism, the rule of law, and the protection of citizens’ rights. Ultimately, the outcome of the case may shape the future of how Nigeria balances personal freedoms with public security in the years ahead.