The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified its stance on the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, stating that no court order currently restrains the police from implementing the law.
However, the Force said it has chosen to temporarily suspend enforcement of the Act out of respect for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and in consideration of public interest, pending the outcome of an ongoing case at the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, following a meeting between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and an NBA delegation led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to Hundeyin, the meeting allowed for “robust deliberations” on the enforcement of the tinted glass law and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the Police and the legal community in promoting the rule of law.
“The visit provided an opportunity for deliberations on the need for synergy between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence,” Hundeyin stated.
No Injunction Halting Enforcement
Hundeyin clarified that after a comprehensive legal review, the Police found no explicit injunction currently barring enforcement of the 1991 Act.
“The Nigeria Police Force, while noting that there is no clear court order stopping the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, has, out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association, temporarily suspended the enforcement,” he explained.
He added that the Police will await the hearing of the Motion on Notice — scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri — before making further decisions regarding the enforcement of the law.
Joint Police–NBA Committee Established
To foster better coordination and strengthen ties between law enforcement and the legal profession, the IGP inaugurated a joint Police–NBA committee.
“To further strengthen the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association, a Police–NBA committee has been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between the Police and the Bar,” Hundeyin added.
Public Advised to Regularize Vehicle Documents
While the temporary suspension remains in place, the Force urged vehicle owners and motorists to use the opportunity to regularize their documents and ensure compliance with all traffic laws, particularly those regulating the use of tinted or shaded vehicle glasses.
“All vehicle owners and motorists are urged to take advantage of this window to regularise their documentation and ensure full compliance with all relevant laws regulating the use of motor vehicles with shaded or tinted glasses in Nigeria,” the statement read.
Commitment to Fairness and Human Rights
The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights in enforcing all existing laws across the country.
“The IGP reiterates the resolve of the Force to enforce all extant laws with fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of all citizens, while maintaining effective collaboration with critical stakeholders in the administration of justice,” Hundeyin concluded.
