• Home
  • Police Suspend Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit Policy After Meeting with Nigerian Bar Association

Police Suspend Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit Policy After Meeting with Nigerian Bar Association

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a temporary suspension of the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy, following discussions with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and in consideration of public concern. The decision was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin.

 

According to Hundeyin, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, reached the decision after meeting with a delegation from the NBA led by its President, Afam Osigwe. The meeting focused on issues surrounding the enforcement of the *Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act* of 1991, which mandates that all vehicles with tinted or shaded glasses must have valid permits.

 

The police spokesperson explained that although there was no “clear court order” explicitly halting the enforcement of the policy, the Force opted to suspend it temporarily as a gesture of goodwill toward Nigerians and in deference to the NBA. He added that the suspension would remain in effect until October 16, 2025, when the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, is expected to hear a Motion on Notice related to the ongoing legal challenge against the policy.

 

To foster better cooperation between the police and the legal community, the IGP also announced the formation of a joint Police-NBA committee. The new committee is tasked with strengthening collaboration and improving understanding between both institutions on legal and civic matters.

 

In the interim, the Police advised all motorists to use the suspension period to update their vehicle documentation and ensure full compliance with all motor vehicle regulations, particularly those concerning the use of tinted glasses.

 

The enforcement of the policy began on October 2, 2025, requiring motorists to apply for and renew their tinted glass permits annually through the official digital platform, *possap.gov.ng.* However, the directive was met with strong opposition from the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), which filed a public interest lawsuit challenging its legality.

 

The NBA argued that the policy infringes on constitutionally guaranteed rights, including dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property ownership. Another legal action was filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins at the Federal High Court in Delta State, which subsequently ordered the police to halt enforcement of the regulation pending judicial review.

 

The police, while maintaining their position that the Act remains valid, have now shown willingness to respect judicial processes and public sentiment. The temporary suspension, observers note, is a step aimed at easing public tension and promoting dialogue between law enforcement and civil society.

Leave a Reply