NBA
By Olayiwola Mercy
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has slammed the police’s plan to revive the tinted‑glass permit scheme, warning that it “undermines the rule of law.” In a statement released on December 16, 2025, the NBA argued that the policy, which was originally introduced by a 1991 military decree, is incompatible with today’s constitutional framework and should be scrapped.
The police, however, defended the move, saying the permit is a necessary security measure. They cited a recent surge in crimes involving vehicles with darkened windows and insisted that the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act gives them the authority to require permits from 2 January 2026.
NBA President [Name] pointed out that the police have already filed a court case (FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025) challenging the legality of the permit, contending that it amounts to an unlawful tax. The association warned that enforcing the scheme would open the door to extortion, especially since the fees are being directed into a private account rather than the Treasury Single Account.
The Bar Association also raised procedural concerns, noting that the police failed to follow proper public consultation and that the policy lacks a clear legislative basis. They threatened contempt proceedings if the authorities proceed without a court order clarifying the matter.
Supporters of the permit argue that it helps law‑enforcement agencies identify suspicious vehicles and reduces incidents of robbery and kidnapping. They say the modest fee is a reasonable contribution to public safety and that the policy has been effective in other jurisdictions.
The dispute now heads to the courts, where judges will have to balance security considerations against constitutional rights and due process. Until a ruling is issued, the future of the tinted‑glass permit remains uncertain, leaving drivers and civil‑rights groups on edge.
