The Public Complaints Commission of Nigeria says it has minimised conflicts between individuals and institutions, thereby fostering trust and stability in the country.
Chief Federal Commissioner, PCC, Mr Bashir Abubakar said this while briefing the Media ahead of its 50 anniversary celebration with the theme,” Effective Ombudsman Institution: Catalyst for Good Governance”.
He said the Commission has been a beacon of hope, standing as a defender of the people’s rights.
“The Commission’s contributions to nation-building are profound. The success of the Commission has been evident in the 1,802,267 complaints it has received, out of which 1,279,489 were successfully closed in the last 50 years, with 522,778 pending. Our actionable reports and recommendations have led to the amendment or removal of unjust regulations, enhancing administrative fairness.”
According to him, PCC exists to empower citizens to challenge administrative injustices without resorting to costly legal battles or taking the law into their own hands.
He also affirmed that the Commission had, over the past fifty years, handled millions of complaints, restoring hope to countless Nigerians.
” The global appeal of the Ombudsman lies in its cost-free, neutral, and adaptable approach to resolving grievances, evolving from administrative justice to a broader role in protecting human rights. In Nigeria, the PCC serves as a vital bridge between the people and the government, ensuring that citizens, regardless of their means, have access to justice,” he said
The Ombudsman, however, noted with concern inadequate funding as part of the significant challenges facing the Commission.
“Limited budgetary allocations have constrained our logistics, capacity building, and operational efficiency. While we have forged partnerships to enhance our enforcement capabilities, greater support from the government and policymakers is essential to fully realise our mandate.”
The mandate of the Public Complaint Commission allows it to investigate complaints against a wide range of entities, including government ministries, local authorities, public institutions, and private companies, under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
Additionally, the PCC can proactively initiate investigations into issues critical to the nation’s well-being, ensuring that systemic injustices are addressed.