The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the Nigeria Police Force over plans to resume nationwide enforcement of the suspended tinted glass permit policy, describing the move as a violation of due process and a direct affront to judicial authority.
The association’s position followed a public announcement by the police that enforcement of the policy would recommence on January 2, 2026. The NBA noted that the directive was issued despite a subsisting lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the legality and constitutionality of the policy.
According to the NBA, proceeding with enforcement while the matter remains before the court amounts to executive overreach and demonstrates disregard for the rule of law. The association stressed that no administrative action should pre-empt the outcome of judicial proceedings.
The tinted glass permit policy, introduced in April 2025, requires vehicle owners to obtain and renew permits annually through an online platform. Although initially scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2025, enforcement was later postponed following public outcry over alleged harassment, extortion and violations of citizens’ rights.
On September 2, 2025, the NBA, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), instituted a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the authority of the police to impose fees or financial obligations on citizens under the policy. The association maintains that the initiative is unconstitutional, illegal and extortionate.
The NBA further argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, which forms the legal basis of the policy, is a military-era law inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. It also questioned the competence of the National Assembly to enact the law, insisting it cannot be regarded as a valid statute under the current constitutional framework.
The association warned that enforcing the policy could fuel abuse, extortion and disorder, particularly in light of past allegations of misconduct by some police personnel. It also described the initiative as a revenue-driven scheme outside the statutory mandate of the police, noting concerns that permit fees are reportedly paid into the account of a private company.
According to the NBA, the levy would worsen the financial burden on Nigerians amid prevailing economic challenges and compound the problem of multiple taxation. It added that the policy fails to account for modern vehicles with factory-fitted tinted glass and could undermine planned tax reforms expected to take effect in January 2026.
The association urged the police authorities to respect the rule of law by suspending any enforcement action until the court delivers judgment on the matter.
