Epistemic Dimensions of Records Appraisal Decision-Making in the National Archives of Nigeria: A Phenomenological Inquiry

This study undertakes a phenomenological inquiry into the epistemic dimensions of records appraisal decision-making by archivists in the National Archives of Nigeria, producing an original interpretive account of how appraisers construct, justify, and communicate the knowledge that underlies their selection of records for permanent preservation. Records appraisal is among the most consequential professional judgements in archival practice, as it determines what evidence is preserved for historical and accountability purposes and what is permanently destroyed. However, the epistemic processes through which Nigerian archivists make these decisions remain entirely unexplored in the literature. The research employs Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with twenty-two purposively selected experienced archivists in the National Archives of Nigeria's Abuja headquarters and regional offices in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, and Kaduna. The phenomenological method involves in-depth unstructured interviews, observation of appraisal sessions, and reflective journaling. The Phenomenology of Professional Practice, the Epistemology of Archival Appraisal (Cook, Boles, Ham), and the Tacit Knowledge Theory (Polanyi) provide the analytical foundation. The study produces a rich interpretive account of appraisal as an epistemic practice and derives practical implications for appraisal training and standards development. Recommendations target the National Archives Commission and archival education programmes. Keywords: records appraisal, phenomenological inquiry, epistemology, National Archives of Nigeria, archival decision-making