The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has hit back at the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, over recent comments regarding the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy, describing his allegations as “material misrepresentations” and “misleading.”
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police maintained that the regulation of tinted glass is a matter of national security and is firmly rooted in the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004.
The NPF countered Osigwe’s assertion that the policy is based on a military-era decree. The Force clarified that the policy is an Act of the National Assembly. Under Section 2(3)(a) of the Act, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) holds the statutory authority to issue permits based on legitimate security or health justifications.
“This framework exists primarily to address public safety concerns, particularly the use of obscured vehicles in the commission of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism,” the statement read.
Addressing allegations that the permit process is a money-making scheme, the NPF emphasised that it is not a revenue-generating organisation. However, the Force noted that the Police Act, 2020, allows it to receive funds incidental to its statutory functions.
The police explained that the administrative fees for the new automated permit system approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2022 are used solely to maintain the technological infrastructure provided under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
The Force specifically addressed the NBA President’s claim that payments were being diverted into a private account held by Parkway Projects Limited.
“The allegation… is entirely false and betrays either a lack of understanding of payment processing systems or outright mischief,” the NPF stated.
The Force clarified that Parkway Projects is a CBN-licensed Payment Services Provider, similar to Remita, and the “account number” cited by the NBA was actually a unique transaction identifier used for government reconciliation.
While the NPF acknowledged that enforcement had been previously suspended as a gesture of goodwill toward the NBA and the public, it stressed that no court has issued a restraining order against the policy.
The police noted that while they are aware of pending litigation (including Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025), they will continue to act within the law to ensure the security of the majority is not jeopardised by the “narrow interests of a few.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reassured the public that any future enforcement would be “professional, measured, and rights-compliant.” He warned that any officers found engaging in extortion or harassment during the process would face severe disciplinary action.
The NPF concluded by calling for “calm and responsible public discourse,” urging stakeholders to respect judicial processes while the courts deliberate on the matter.
