The Nigeria Police Force has resumed enforcement of its tinted-glass permit policy despite court orders and public opposition. The policy, introduced by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, was initially scheduled for June 1 but postponed to October 2. Critics, including the Nigerian Bar Association, argue it could become a revenue-generating tool rather than a safety measure.
The NBA, which filed a lawsuit against the policy, described it as a “money-making venture by the police.” “The Nigerian Police Force is a law-enforcement agency, it is not one meant to generate revenue, and it is more worrisome that the policy implementation requires that the money be paid into a private account,” said NBA President Afam Osigwe. The police, however, denied these claims, citing legal authority under the Police Act.
Analysis suggests the policy could generate up to N16 billion annually, with every owner of factory-tinted cars required to pay. Despite public outcry and court injunctions, the police insist on proceeding with the permit, raising concerns that revenue considerations may be driving enforcement of the policy. Critics warn this could place unnecessary financial burdens on Nigerians.