TRIBUNAL OF INQUIRY ACT
Act · Governance
An Act provides the framework for the Federal Government to establish tribunals of inquiry for public matters. It empowers tribunals to summon witnesses and gather evidence. This enables investigations into governance and financial issues.
TRIBUNAL OF INQUIRY ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act providing the legal framework for the Federal Government to establish tribunals of inquiry to investigate matters of public concern, with powers to summon witnesses and receive evidence. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (executive powers of the Federation); Evidence Act 2011; Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015; Commissions of Inquiry Act; Commission of Inquiry Laws of the various states
Government-appointed tribunals of inquiry Witnesses and persons of interest summoned Federal Government as the establishing authority Legal practitioners appearing before tribunals
Who Does It Target?
Government ministries, departments, and agencies subject to tribunals of inquiry. Witnesses, petitioners, and other parties called before tribunals. The Federal Government and the President appointing tribunals of inquiry. Members of the public affected by the conduct of public inquiries.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Enable the Federal Government to establish ad hoc tribunals with effective investigative powers to examine matters of public interest including governance failures and financial misconduct.
Key Features
Tribunal Powers: Tribunals may summon witnesses, receive evidence under oath, and request documents. Contempt: Witnesses who refuse to cooperate are in contempt. Report: Tribunal submits findings and recommendations to the President. Statutory Basis: Provides legal authority for all federal tribunals of inquiry.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — tribunals established as needed Coverage: Federal Government investigations of public concern Beneficiaries: Public interest; accountability Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Persons summoned must appear and give evidence Witnesses have the right to legal representation Tribunal reports are often made public on the President's direction Application method: Tribunals established by presidential proclamation — no public application.
Important Terms
Tribunal findings are recommendations — not court judgments Refusing to appear before a tribunal is contempt Persons criticised may have a right to respond before the report is finalised
Official Resources
Website: https://www.agf.gov.ng Contact: Office of the Attorney General of the Federation
Legal Framework
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (executive powers of the Federation); Evidence Act 2011; Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015; Commissions of Inquiry Act; Commission of Inquiry Laws of the various states