The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a
temporary suspension of the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition
of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, pending the outcome of a court case challenging
the policy.
The decision was made following a meeting between the Inspector-General
of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and a delegation of the Nigerian
Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), at
the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations
Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said the NBA’s visit provided an
opportunity for open deliberations on the enforcement of the tinted glass law
and other areas of mutual interest, including promoting public confidence and
strengthening the rule of law.
“While noting that there is no clear court order
stopping the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass)
Act, 1991, the Nigeria Police Force, out of consideration for the interest of
Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association, has temporarily
suspended the enforcement of the Act, pending the outcome of the hearing of the
Motion on Notice slated for 16th October 2025 at the Federal High Court, Warri,
Delta State,” the statement read.
The Police also announced the creation of a Police–NBA
Committee to foster collaboration between both institutions and address
legal and operational concerns in law enforcement.
The Force urged vehicle owners to use this period to regularise
their documentation and ensure full compliance with relevant vehicle
regulations, particularly concerning the use of shaded or tinted glass.
IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to
enforcing existing laws fairly, transparently, and with respect for
citizens’ rights, while maintaining strong partnerships with key
stakeholders in the justice sector.
Background
The move follows a lawsuit filed by the NBA in
September against the IGP over the tinted glass permit policy introduced in
April 2025.
Under the policy, vehicle owners were required to apply annually for tinted
glass permits via a newly launched Police platform, paying a stipulated
fee.
The NBA, however, condemned the directive, arguing
that it violates citizens’ rights and rests on a military-era law, the Motor
Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree of 1991, which it said should
be reviewed under democratic principles.
At its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting
held on August 23, 2025, the association resolved to challenge the
policy in court, describing it as “illegal and inconsistent with modern
governance standards.”
The court hearing on the Motion on Notice is
scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri,
Delta State.
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