The Right to Fair Hearing in Administrative Tribunals: A Study of the Industrial Arbitration Panel in Abuja

The principle of fair hearing, enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is a fundamental safeguard against arbitrary decision-making in both judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings. Administrative tribunals, including labour and industrial arbitration bodies, must uphold this principle to guarantee justice and institutional credibility. This study examines the extent to which the right to fair hearing is protected in proceedings before the Industrial Arbitration Panel, which is headquartered in Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Using a doctrinal and empirical research methodology, the study analyses decided cases, procedural rules, and party submissions from 2019 to 2024. In-depth interviews were also conducted with labour law practitioners and parties who had appeared before the Panel. The findings reveal procedural inconsistencies in how notices are served, how evidence is evaluated, and how parties are afforded adequate opportunity to respond to opposing claims. The research further identifies challenges related to delays in panel compositions and limited access to legal representation for workers from low-income backgrounds. Recommendations are made for procedural reforms, including the codification of minimum procedural standards and mandatory legal aid for unrepresented workers. This study contributes to the understanding of administrative justice in Nigeria and provides a basis for reforming tribunal procedures in the Federal Capital Territory. Keywords: fair hearing, administrative tribunal, Industrial Arbitration Panel, Abuja, procedural justice.