The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has officially initiated legal action challenging the legitimacy of the tinted glass permit policy introduced by the Nigeria Police Force. This resolution was made during the NBA’s National Executive Council pre-conference meeting held on August 23, 2025, in Enugu.
In April 2025, the Inspector General of Police implemented a policy requiring motorists to apply for and pay for annual tinted glass permits through a newly launched digital portal (possap.gov.ng).
The policy, which has been met with substantial public backlash, is reportedly managed by a private vendor, and there are concerns about the transparency of the funds generated, as they do not appear to be directed into the Federation Account.
Initially set to take effect on June 1, 2025, the enforcement date was subsequently postponed to October 2, 2025. Despite this extension, there have been numerous reports of police harassment and extortion related to the policy at checkpoints.
Critics argue that the policy infringes upon citizens’ fundamental rights, including the right to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property ownership, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
The NBA has raised further concerns regarding the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act (Decree 1991), a military-era law on which the police base the policy.
The Act’s legitimacy under democratic scrutiny and its failure to provide for permit renewals or associated fees call into question the legal foundation of the policy.
In addition, the fact that permit fees are being deposited into a private account PARKWAY PROJECTS Account No: 4001017918 has raised issues regarding transparency and accountability, as the funds do not go through the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Treasury Single Account of the Federal Government.
On September 2, 2025, the Nigerian Bar Association, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), filed a public interest action in the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025 against the Inspector General of Police. The litigation aims to clarify the legality of the contentious tinted glass permit policy.
The NBA’s SPIDEL, under the leadership of Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, and the Section’s Public Interest Litigation Committee led by Mr. Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, SAN, has been tasked with pursuing this case to its conclusion.
As the courts prepare to assign the case, the NBA urges all parties involved to respect the judicial process and suspend enforcement of the policy pending the court’s determination.
Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, who chairs SPIDEL, emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights amidst this ongoing legal challenge.
Signed,
Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN
Chair, Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL)
Nigerian Bar Association
September 2025
