Controversial Truce: Police Suspend Tinted Glass Enforcement Amidst Legal Battle šØ
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the temporary suspension of enforcing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991. This decision, effective immediately, comes amid mounting public scrutiny and a legal challenge, providing vehicle owners with a crucial reprieve to regularize their documentation.
The suspension, announced on October 9, 2025, is primarily driven by a pending Motion on Notice at the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, and a desire to respect the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Deference to the NBA and the Court
The decision was formalized following a meeting between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and an NBA delegation led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN).
While the Police statement explicitly notes that there is “no clear court order stopping the enforcement” of the Act, the Force chose to suspend application of the law:
Public Consideration: Out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians.
Respect for the Bar: As a gesture of regard for the Nigerian Bar Association.
The temporary halt will remain in effect pending the outcome of the court hearing slated for October 16, 2025. This move highlights the delicate balance the Police must maintain between law enforcement and public relations, particularly with key stakeholders like the legal community.
The Long, Controversial History of Tinted Permits
The enforcement of the tinted glass regulation has been a consistent source of controversy and public-police friction in Nigeria, with the process undergoing multiple stops and starts:
2022 Suspension: The Police originally halted the issuance of tinted glass permits in June 2022 to combat criminal elements who were misusing the permits to evade detection.
2024 Revamp: In February 2024, the Force announced plans to lift the ban with stricter controls via a new digital system. This revamped system, featuring QR codes, unique serial numbers, and digital holograms to prevent forgery, was designed to be processed exclusively through the www.possap.gov.ng platform.
Enforcement Delays: The deadline for resuming enforcement was initially set for August 11, 2025, and then extended to October 2, 2025, before this latest temporary suspension.
This latest pause offers a grace period for vehicle owners to ensure full compliance with all relevant vehicle regulations, minimizing the risk of apprehension once enforcement inevitably resumes.
To enhance cooperation in the administration of justice, the NPF and the NBA have also inaugurated a joint committee. The IGP reiterated the Forceās commitment to enforcing laws with fairness, transparency, and respect for citizens’ rights.
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