By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Integrity Youth Alliance has commended the Nigeria Police Force for clarifying issues surrounding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit policy, saying the move corrected misrepresentations and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and respect for judicial authority.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group said it was satisfied that the NPF operates strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, existing statutes, and valid court orders.
It noted that under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Force has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court, stressing that respect for the judiciary and adherence to due process remain central to police governance.
The Alliance also addressed criticisms of the policy, stating that the regulation of vehicle-tinted glass is not arbitrary but grounded in law. It cited the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, describing it as an Act of the National Assembly.
According to the group, the Act empowers the Inspector-General of Police to issue tinted glass permits based on legitimate security or health-related justifications, intending to address public safety concerns such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and other violent crimes.
IYA further rejected claims that the policy is revenue-driven, noting that the Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating agency, though it is legally permitted to receive funds incidental to its statutory duties as provided under the Police Act, 2020 (as amended).
The group also referenced the Police Specialised Services Automation Project approved by the Federal Executive Council in July 2022 and implemented through a Public-Private Partnership under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act.
It explained that the automated system processes applications online, subjects them to security vetting, and applies administrative fees solely to sustain the technology and infrastructure supporting the process.
Responding to allegations that payments are made into private accounts, the Alliance clarified that Parkway Projects Limited, involved in the process, is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed payment services provider acting as a collection channel, similar to other government payment platforms. It said the reference numbers used are transaction identifiers, not private bank account numbers.
The Alliance acknowledged that while motorists may seek tinted glass for privacy or comfort, unchecked use has undermined traffic surveillance and facilitated criminal activities. It said the enhanced permit system was introduced to standardise applications nationwide, improve vetting, reduce extortion, and modernise policing.
On enforcement, IYA stated that the earlier suspension of the policy was a voluntary gesture following stakeholder engagement and public appeals, not a result of any court order. It noted that the Federal High Court in Warri reportedly refused a request for an interim injunction against the policy.
While commending the police leadership, the Alliance urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure professionalism among officers enforcing the policy. It warned against extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority, calling for strict disciplinary action against erring personnel.
The group concluded that the Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Egbetokun, has shown commitment to professionalism, transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights, and remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and property.
