NBA Sues IGP Over Controversial Tinted Glass Permit Policy
NBA Sues IGP Over Controversial Tinted Glass Permit Policy
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to court over the newly introduced tinted-glass permit policy, describing it as illegal and a violation of citizens’ rights.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on September 2, 2025, challenges the directive that mandates motorists to obtain annual permits for tinted vehicle glass through a digital portal at a cost of ₦16,000. Enforcement of the policy, originally scheduled for June 1, was postponed to October 2.
In a statement signed by Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), Chairman of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law, the association raised concerns that payments for the permits were allegedly being funneled into a private account belonging to Parkway Projects, instead of the Federation Account.
The NBA also condemned reports of harassment and extortion of motorists at police checkpoints, despite the fact that the enforcement date is yet to take effect. It argued that the policy infringes on constitutional rights to privacy, dignity, property, and freedom of movement, while questioning its reliance on the 1991 Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act — a military-era decree the NBA says is incompatible with democratic principles.
The association maintained that the case, filed under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025, will be pursued to a logical conclusion and urged the police to suspend implementation until the court delivers its judgment.
Although the police defend the policy as a move to boost transparency and national security, many Nigerians have criticized it as exploitative and poorly timed, given prevailing economic hardship.
