The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has vowed to resist the Nigeria Police Force’s decision to resume enforcement of the tinted-glass permit policy.
The NBA described the directive by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) as unconstitutional, unlawful and designed to extort Nigerians.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the President of the NBA, Afam Osigwe, said the policy was already before a court of law and accused the police of acting in disregard of ongoing judicial proceedings.
He recalled that following engagements between the NBA and the police, both parties agreed that implementation of the policy should be suspended pending the determination of the case.
“The action of the police flies in the face of judicial proceedings involving the police,” Osigwe said. “It does not matter whether there is an injunction or not. The police ought to respect the outcome of a process to which they are parties and for which they are represented by counsel.”
Osigwe accused the police of turning the policy into a revenue-generating venture, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force is not established to generate income.
He expressed concern that payments for the tinted-glass permit are allegedly being made into private accounts rather than official government channels.
“The Nigerian police is a law enforcement agency, not one meant to generate revenue,” he said. “It is even more worrisome that the policy requires money to be paid into a private account.
“There is no transparency as to how the amount was arrived at, how the money is shared, or what happens to it,” Osigwe stated.
The NBA president questioned the validity of previously issued permits and the rationale behind compelling motorists to renew them. According to him, if the policy were genuinely intended to enhance security, the relevant information could be captured during routine vehicle registration and renewal processes involving the police and other security agencies.
“What happened to the validity of earlier permits granted by the police? Why must Nigerians pay again?” Osigwe asked. “If this is truly a crime-fighting measure, why can’t the data be obtained at the point of renewing vehicle particulars?”
He warned that enforcement of the policy would empower police officers on the roads to harass and extort motorists, particularly during the festive season when many Nigerians travel.
Osigwe described the timing of the proposed resumption, announced to take effect on January 2, 2026, as calculated to impose further hardship on citizens already grappling with economic challenges.
“Nigerians are already suffering under harsh economic conditions,” he said. “This policy will make life very difficult for people travelling to see their families during the festive season and will expose them to harassment and extortion on the roads.”
Osigwe also called on President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene and halt what he described as an unlawful policy.
He disclosed that the NBA had written to the Attorney-General, urging him to direct the police to cease enforcing the directive.
“We have delivered a letter to the Office of the Attorney-General asking that the police be called to order,” he said. “This action does not put the country in a good light and imposes unnecessary hardship on the people.”
Reaffirming the association’s commitment to the rule of law, Osigwe warned that proceeding with the policy despite the pending court case would undermine public confidence in law enforcement and encourage lawlessness.
“The police will benefit more from a peaceful and orderly society where judicial processes are respected,” he said. “Enough is enough. The police should focus on protecting lives and property, not making life harder for Nigerians.”
He added that the NBA would continue to oppose any action that imposes hardship on citizens and urged Nigerians to collectively condemn the policy in the interest of justice and good governance.
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