Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken a bold stand against the newly enforced tinted glass permit regime, declaring the policy illegal and pledging free legal assistance to citizens allegedly harassed under the scheme.
In a letter to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the NBA asserted that the enforcement of the tinted glass permit (TGP) policy should be immediately suspended.
The legal body argued that the matter is already before the Federal High Court in Abuja under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, and that any enforcement while the case is pending amounts to undermining the judiciary.
The NBA reminded the police that parties served with an originating summons and interlocutory injunction must preserve the status quo ante bellum until the court rules.
However, despite ongoing litigation, the Nigeria Police Force initiated nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit on October 2, 2025. Reports indicate that over 100 vehicles were impounded in Cross River State alone.
In a controversial development, the vehicle of a judge from the National Industrial Court (NIC) was among those seized in Delta State for non-possession of the permit. The NBA cited this as illustrative of arbitrary enforcement.
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The police maintained that the enforcement is grounded in the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, and insist that only a valid court order can halt the policy.
As motorists across the country voice their frustration, the NBA has activated the Human Rights Committees within its 130 branches to offer pro bono legal services to anyone who claims harassment under the tinted glass policy.
Kunle Edun (SAN), Chairman of the NBA’s Public Interest Litigation arm (SPIDEL), warned that the police risk acting unlawfully if they proceed while the case is subjudice.
“Any citizen harassed under this purportedly illegal tinted glass permit scheme should contact any NBA branch for free legal recourse,” he said.
The NBA added that the tinted glass policy, if fully enforced, may generate as much as ₦3 billion monthly in permit fees, raising fears that the police would transform into a revenue-collection agency rather than focusing on crime fighting.
In its suit, the NBA is challenging several aspects of the tinted glass policy, including:
Whether the police have valid statutory powers to impose mandatory registration, renewal, and fees for tinted glass permits given the absence of enabling legislation from the National Assembly.
Whether the policy violates fundamental rights such as privacy, free movement, and protection against arbitrary seizure of property.
Whether the continued harassment, extortion, impoundment, and forced removal of tints under threat of arrest are constitutional and lawful.
The NBA is also seeking a perpetual injunction preventing the police from enforcing the tinted glass permit scheme until the courts deliver judgment.
A survey reveals that reactions among motorists has ranged from anger to confusion. Some complain that the process of obtaining the permit is overly bureaucratic, with system failures, long queues, and opaque pricing. Others argue that many vehicles come with factory-fitted tints and had no intention to seek permission.
Already, Civil society groups and youth coalitions have joined the call for suspension of enforcement until the court rules, warning that continued implementation could inflict needless hardship on Nigerians.
Meanwhile, police across various states have carried out roadblock operations and mobile court trials against tinted vehicles.
