The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has temporarily suspended the enforcement of its controversial tinted glass permit policy and has inaugurated a joint committee with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to review the regulations.
This development came after a meeting between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and a delegation from the NBA led by its President, Afam Osigwe. The meeting was a direct response to a lawsuit filed by the NBA challenging the legality and constitutionality of the police directive.
Background to the Dispute
The conflict began in April 2025 when the police reactivated the tinted glass permit system, requiring motorists to obtain annual permits through a digital portal and pay a stipulated fee. The police defended the policy as a security measure to curb crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery.
However, the NBA, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), vehemently opposed the policy. The association argued that:
- It lacks legal basis: The NBA claimed the police were relying on a 1991 military decree, which it said was inconsistent with Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and citizens’ fundamental rights.
- It’s a revenue-driven scheme: The association alleged that the policy was designed for revenue generation, with payments being directed to a private account rather than the government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).
- It leads to harassment and extortion: The NBA stated that despite the official enforcement date being set for October 2, police officers were already harassing and extorting motorists.
Following the police’s decision to proceed with enforcement despite the pending lawsuit, the NBA’s SPIDEL warned that it would institute contempt of court proceedings against the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comments he made about the policy.
The Resolution and Suspension
In a statement, the police announced the temporary suspension of the enforcement, noting that while there was no “clear court order” to stop them, the decision was made “out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association.”
Both parties agreed to set up a new committee to review the regulations. The inauguration of this Police-NBA committee is intended to foster collaboration and ensure that the final policy adheres to the rule of law while also promoting public confidence.
The police have advised motorists to use this “window” to regularize their documentation and ensure compliance with all relevant laws. The outcome of the committee’s review and the pending court case will ultimately determine the future of the tinted glass permit policy in Nigeria.
