The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has initiated legal action against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over a contentious policy requiring motorists to obtain permits for tinted vehicle glass. This policy, introduced by IGP Kayode Egbetokun in April 2025 and slated for enforcement in October 2025 after an initial postponement from June 1, mandates drivers to secure annual permits through a designated digital portal. The NBA’s challenge, filed as a public interest suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, stems from concerns about the policy’s legality, transparency, and potential infringement on fundamental rights. The lawsuit alleges that the policy lacks a valid legal basis and violates citizens’ rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property. Furthermore, the NBA raises serious questions about the financial aspects of the permit system, asserting that fees are being channeled into a private account rather than the government’s coffers, thus circumventing established financial regulations and raising concerns about accountability.
At the heart of the NBA’s contention is the legality of the policy itself. The association argues that the IGP’s directive appears to be based on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, a decree enacted during military rule in 1991. The NBA questions whether this decree, originating from a non-democratic era, can withstand constitutional scrutiny in a democratic society, specifically regarding its “reasonable justifiability.” This challenge to the legal foundation of the policy underscores a broader concern about the potential misuse of outdated laws and the importance of aligning regulations with the principles of a democratic state. The NBA’s proactive legal challenge seeks to ensure that current laws respect fundamental rights and are enacted through proper legislative processes.
Further fueling the NBA’s legal challenge are allegations of financial impropriety. The association asserts that the fees collected for the tinted glass permits are not being remitted to the Federation Account or the Treasury Single Account, as required by law. Instead, the NBA claims that the funds are being directed to a private account belonging to Parkway Projects. This allegation raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The NBA argues that this diversion of funds contravenes established financial regulations and creates an environment conducive to potential corruption and misuse of resources. This aspect of the lawsuit highlights the NBA’s commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility and ensuring public funds are managed ethically and transparently.
Beyond the legal and financial aspects, the NBA also raises concerns about the practical implementation of the policy. Even though full enforcement has not yet commenced, the NBA reports instances of harassment and extortion of motorists by police officers at checkpoints. These alleged incidents suggest that the policy, even in its pre-enforcement phase, is already being used as a pretext for unlawful activities by law enforcement. This raises serious questions about the potential for abuse and the need for clear guidelines and oversight to prevent such incidents. The NBA’s emphasis on these practical implications underscores the importance of considering how policies affect citizens’ daily experiences and ensuring that law enforcement actions are lawful and respectful.
The NBA’s decision to challenge the tinted glass permit policy underscores its role as a defender of citizens’ rights and a promoter of the rule of law. The association argues that the policy infringes on several fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, including the rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property. The argument centers on the idea that requiring citizens to obtain permits for tinted glass, particularly in the context of alleged financial irregularities and potential for abuse, amounts to an unreasonable restriction on these fundamental freedoms. By filing this lawsuit, the NBA aims to ensure that government policies are consistent with constitutional provisions and protect citizens’ rights.
The NBA’s legal challenge comes against the backdrop of a renewed focus on the tinted glass permit policy. The police reactivated the digital platform for permits in May 2025, citing the need to enhance transparency and improve national security. However, the policy has been met with public criticism due to the N16,000 permit fee, which many consider exorbitant given the current economic climate. The NBA’s lawsuit adds another layer to this ongoing debate, bringing legal and ethical dimensions to the forefront of public discourse. The outcome of this legal challenge is likely to have significant implications for the future of the tinted glass permit policy and the broader relationship between law enforcement and citizens’ rights in Nigeria. The NBA’s proactive legal action is not just about a specific policy; it represents a broader commitment to ensuring that government actions are lawful, transparent, and respectful of citizens’ fundamental rights.
