The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the decision of the Nigeria Police Force to resume enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy, describing the move as illegal, unconstitutional and a threat to citizens’ rights.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, NBA President Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, accused the police of acting in disregard of ongoing court proceedings and previous agreements reached with the association, warning that the policy would worsen the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Osigwe said the NBA was alarmed by a public notice issued by the police announcing the resumption of the policy from January 2, 2026, despite the matter being the subject of active litigation.
According to him, the policy—initially introduced in April and later postponed to October 1—was suspended following legal action instituted by the NBA through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL).
“Because of our belief that this policy is unlawful and unconstitutional, the NBA approached the court alongside some of our members,” Osigwe said.
He disclosed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NBA supported the suit, which resulted in an order by a High Court sitting in Warri directing that the status quo be maintained pending the determination of the case.
“Following that order, the police reached out to us, and it was mutually agreed that the implementation of the policy would be suspended until the court decides the matter,” he said.
Osigwe expressed shock that the police would announce a resumption date while the case remains before the court.
“This action flies in the face of judicial proceedings. Whether or not there is a formal injunction, once a matter is before a court, the police ought to await the outcome,” he said.
The NBA President also questioned the legal foundation of the policy, arguing that the National Assembly lacks the constitutional authority to enact the law being relied upon by the police.
“Even assuming, without conceding, that the National Assembly has such powers, the regulation issued by the police is ultra vires. The police lack the authority to impose it in this manner,” he said.
Osigwe further described the policy as a revenue-generating scheme rather than a genuine security measure, warning that it would empower officers to harass and extort motorists.
“The Nigeria Police Force is a law enforcement agency, not a revenue-generating body,” he said, adding that it was deeply troubling that payments for the permit were allegedly being made into private accounts.
“There is no transparency. There is no clarity on how the amount was determined, how the funds are utilised, or why payments are not made through the Treasury Single Account,” he stated.
He also questioned the fate of previously issued tinted glass permits, asking why citizens were being compelled to renew permits if the policy was truly motivated by security concerns.
Osigwe warned that the timing of the policy’s resumption was insensitive, especially during the festive season when many Nigerians are already grappling with economic hardship.
“This is a deliberate attempt to make life more difficult for Nigerians. It will lead to harassment, intimidation and abuse of citizens on the roads,” he said.
Calling on Nigerians to resist the policy, the NBA President urged the police to focus on their core mandate of protecting lives and property.
He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, revealing that the association had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, urging him to direct the police to halt the enforcement.
“This does not portray the country in a good light and imposes unnecessary hardship on the people,” Osigwe said. “This must stop.”
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