EVIDENCE ACT
Act · Technology
An Act governs the rules of evidence in Nigerian courts, including electronic records. It targets courts, legal practitioners, and litigants. This provides a modern framework for fair judicial proceedings.
What Is This Policy?
The principal law governing the admissibility, relevance, and weight of evidence in judicial proceedings in Nigeria, including provisions for electronic evidence and digital records.
Who Does It Target?
Courts, legal practitioners, litigants, law enforcement, and the judiciary.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Provide a modern, comprehensive framework for the rules of evidence in Nigerian courts, including recognition of electronic and digital evidence.
Key Features
Framework Standards: Establishes clear standards and guidelines Compliance and Oversight: Provides compliance and monitoring mechanisms Public Benefit: Designed to protect public interest and improve outcomes
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active/Under implementation or legislative consideration Coverage: Nationwide Lead Agency: Relevant Federal Ministry or Agency
How to Access
Implemented through relevant government agencies. Guidelines and compliance information available through the responsible ministry or agency.
Impact & Metrics
Strengthens institutional, legal, and regulatory capacity in the relevant sector.
Official Resources
Website: nass.gov.ng Contact: Relevant Federal Ministry/Agency, Abuja
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Evidence Act 2011 (updating Cap E14 LFN 2004), which is the principal statute on evidence in civil and criminal proceedings. Operates alongside the Federal High Court Act, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (on electronic evidence), and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. Aligns with international standards on electronic evidence admissibility.