Review aims to align policy with public interest and security
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) and the Nigeria Police Force have agreed to review the country’s tinted permit policy.
The announcement was made by Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL, during an interactive session on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos. The session was part of the activities ahead of the NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference scheduled to hold in Akwa Ibom from December 1 to 5, 2025.
According to Ananaba, the review seeks to ensure that the existing policy aligns with national security objectives while also protecting public interest and upholding the rights of motorists.
Enforcement of tinted permit policy to be suspended
Ananaba explained that the agreement followed several weeks of engagement between the association and senior police officials, after multiple complaints by Nigerians about harassment and indiscriminate arrests by police officers enforcing the directive.
“Following our discussions with senior police officers, we agreed that enforcement of the tinted permit should be suspended while a joint review committee is constituted,” he stated.
He further emphasized that SPIDEL’s approach was not confrontational, but intended to promote accountability, justice, and lawful governance.
Committee to develop new regulatory framework
As part of the agreement, a joint committee comprising representatives from both NBA-SPIDEL and the Nigeria Police will examine the legal and security implications of the tinted permit policy. The committee is expected to propose new modalities for regulation, ensuring that the directive is not used to infringe on citizens’ rights.
The association had earlier filed a legal action challenging the enforcement of the policy, citing concerns of discrimination and rights violations.
“SPIDEL is not a body of activists. Our focus is public interest and development,” Ananaba clarified.
Background to the tinted permit controversy
The tinted permit policy has been a subject of public criticism for years. Initially introduced to improve national security and aid law enforcement, it has often been poorly implemented, with reports of harassment, intimidation, and illegal impoundment of vehicles.
Many motorists have complained about the lack of clarity and transparency in the application and approval process for tinted permits. Civil society groups have also raised concerns about extortion by some security operatives during enforcement.
The decision to suspend enforcement and initiate a review has therefore been welcomed by many Nigerians who view it as a step toward reforming outdated policies.
Vance Centre proposes partnership with NBA-SPIDEL
In a related development during the session, Mrs Adaobi Egboka, Director of the Africa Initiative at the Vance Centre, New York City Bar, announced a proposed partnership with NBA-SPIDEL aimed at strengthening public interest law and institutionalizing pro bono legal services across Africa.
The Vance Centre, a non-profit arm of the New York City Bar Association, operates globally to advance justice through cross-border legal collaborations, institutional integrity, and human rights advocacy.
Focus on access to justice and legal reforms
Egboka explained that the partnership would help NBA-SPIDEL build a structured pro bono framework, create a database of participating law firms, and establish standards for measuring legal aid contributions.
She also called for collaboration in establishing a “Pro Bono Declaration for Africa,” similar to the Pro Bono Declaration of the Americas, which commits law firms to dedicate specific hours annually to providing free legal services to underprivileged groups.
“Such initiative will promote accountability, enhance diversity within the legal profession, and improve access to justice for vulnerable groups,” Egboka said.
She added that a similar program in Kenya has already been successfully launched in partnership with universities and law firms, serving as a model for Nigeria.
A step forward for legal accountability in Nigeria
The collaboration between NBA-SPIDEL and the Nigeria Police, along with the Vance Centre’s proposed partnership, underscores a growing focus on reforms in law enforcement, justice delivery, and public interest advocacy in Nigeria.
Stakeholders say the ongoing policy review and legal collaborations could help build stronger accountability systems, restore public trust, and ensure more transparent governance.
