*Cites Rights Violations And Extortion Risks

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has called for the immediate suspension of the reintroduced digital tinted-glass permit regime, describing it as unconstitutional, discriminatory, and prone to abuse.

In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NBA-SPIDEL, through its Public Interest Litigation Committee chaired by Kunle Edun, outlined grave legal and constitutional concerns over the policy.

The committee noted that routine stop-and-search operations tied to tinted-glass enforcement have led to widespread violations of citizens’ fundamental rights, particularly the right to privacy under Section 37 of the Constitution and the right to freedom of movement under Section 41.

Edun further argued that the fees and annual renewals associated with the permits have no legal basis, stressing that while the 1991 Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree empowers the Inspector General of Police to issue permits, it does not authorize taxation or renewals. “Any such charges amount to taxation without statutory backing, contrary to Section 36(12) of the Constitution,” the statement read.

NBA-SPIDEL also expressed concern over the history of abuse and systemic extortion associated with enforcement of the tinted-glass policy, warning that the reintroduction of the digital permit would likely worsen public mistrust of the police. The association highlighted the absence of measurable regulatory standards, noting that unlike other jurisdictions where visible light transmission (VLT) limits are clearly defined, Nigeria’s system is left to police discretion, thereby creating room for arbitrariness and discrimination.

The letter further condemned what it described as discriminatory enforcement, where ordinary motorists are targeted while VIPs and public officials are frequently exempted, undermining the principle of equality before the law.

In light of these concerns, NBA-SPIDEL urged the suspension of the policy pending a comprehensive review. It also called for a multi-stakeholder engagement involving the Police, Ministry of Justice, National Security Adviser, human rights bodies, and civil society to develop a constitutionally sound and transparent regulatory framework.

The association recommended that Nigeria adopt international best practices by introducing verifiable tinting standards, such as percentage-based VLT limits, to ensure clarity, fairness, and accountability in enforcement.

NBA-SPIDEL maintained that suspending the policy at this stage would help prevent further rights violations, curb corruption risks, and strengthen trust between the police and the public.

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