Police Halt Tinted Glass Law Enforcement Following Talks with NBA

A delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its president, Afam Osigwe, SAN, met with Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announced a temporary suspension of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991.

The discussion, which took place at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, centered on the current discussion about the tinted glass law’s application and the worries expressed by drivers and attorneys about how law enforcement officials are allegedly abusing the rule.
Although no court has officially ordered the Force to stop enforcing the law, the Police explained in a statement signed by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, that it had decided to halt enforcement in good faith and in consideration of the public interest, pending a Federal High Court hearing in Warri, Delta State, on October 16, 2025.
According to the statement, the IGP stressed that the decision was intended to increase cooperation with the legal community while also exhibiting openness, justice, and respect for the rule of law.

The statement stated that the Nigeria Police Force had temporarily halted the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991 enforcement in order to show respect for the Nigerian Bar Association and to take into account the interests of Nigerians while the hearing of the Motion on Notice was ongoing.
The discussion was characterized by “robust deliberations” between the parties regarding the improvement of public trust and the legitimate enforcement of current security and traffic regulations.

In order to strengthen collaboration between the police and the legal community, a joint Police–NBA committee was established to act as a platform for communication on matters of shared interest, specifically in the areas of law enforcement and the defense of citizens’ rights.

To guarantee compliance with Nigerian laws limiting the use of tinted or shaded glasses, the Force has recommended drivers and vehicle owners to take advantage of the suspension period to regularize their vehicle documents.

IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to applying the law as it is in a fair and transparent manner, promising the public that no Nigerian will be unfairly singled out or subjected to harassment in the name of implementing the tinted glass rule.

According to the IGP, “maintaining law and order while upholding justice and protecting citizens’ rights in collaboration with key stakeholders remains our top priority.”

In Nigeria, there has long been controversy surrounding tinted glass permits, with many drivers accusing certain police officials of arbitrary arrests and extortion.

A more controlled and rights-respecting approach to enforcement is anticipated as a result of the recent discussions between the NBA and the NPF.