Senate President Akpabio, Speaker Swear In PCC Commissioners

Gloria Essien, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Abbas Tajudeen has charged the newly inaugurated leadership of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) to develop a strategy for public outreach and ensure an efficient and effective database.

The Speaker, who joined the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, to inaugurate the newly appointed Chief Commissioner and other Federal Commissioners of the PCC, said the agency has a critical role to play in ensuring public trust in governance.

Speaker Abbas, in his address, described the event as a “significant occasion,” saying the appointments were a “recognition of your character and capacity and an expression of the nation’s confidence in your ability to uphold justice and equity in your service.”

“The importance of this Commission cannot be overstated; it stands as a vital institution for protecting the rights of every Nigerian, ensuring accountability, and fostering transparency across our public and private sectors.

“As commissioners, you are taking on a role at a crucial time in our nation’s history. The PCC is a bridge between the government and the people, offering citizens a formal platform to lodge complaints and seek redress for perceived injustices.

“However, your role extends beyond addressing individual grievances; it involves actively shaping an environment where fairness, accountability, and good governance thrive.

“The challenges ahead are real, and the responsibility is immense. Still, I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion with the integrity and professionalism that have defined your careers.” Mr. Abbas said.

Lodging complaints

While noting that public awareness remains “a significant challenge” for the PCC, as many citizens are unaware of the avenues for lodging complaints, Speaker Abbas said this is a gap that the National Assembly is determined to close.

“I charge the new commissioners to develop a comprehensive public outreach strategy, leveraging both traditional and digital media to raise awareness about the Commission’s work. I also encourage you to develop a ‘Complaint Management System,’ which will simplify the process of filing and following up on complaints. This should be followed by a nationwide media campaign to promote the system,” he said.

The Speaker, noted that the challenges facing the PCC were well-known, said they include limited resources, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of public awareness have often impeded the Commission’s ability to fulfil its mandate effectively.

“Mindful of these issues, the National Assembly is committed to tackling these challenges through strategic interventions and legislative action,” he said.

Speaker Abbas expressed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to prioritising further legislative actions to secure additional funding and ensure the Commission can expand its operational capacity, “particularly in areas of the country where its presence is limited.”

Regular training

Beyond financial support, he said, the National Assembly will continue to push for legislation that enhances the capacity of PCC staff members through regular training and professional development initiatives, ensuring they are well-equipped to address the complex complaints brought forward by citizens.

He said: “Another area where the National Assembly intends to make concrete interventions is addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks. Too often, the process of handling complaints is bogged down by administrative delays, which undermines citizens’ trust in the system.

“In response, the National Assembly will work closely with the PCC to streamline these processes by advocating for the adoption of digital technologies within the Commission. By embracing digital platforms for submitting and tracking complaints, the PCC will be able to reduce delays and ensure that cases are handled more efficiently.

“Furthermore, we will explore legislative solutions that encourage the Commission to embrace innovations such as mobile applications and online tracking systems, making it easier for citizens to engage with the Commission.”

Speaker Abbas also stressed the importance of fostering collaboration between the PCC and other relevant government bodies, such as the National Human Rights Commission, the Federal Character Commission, and the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Resolving complaints

He said such collaboration will help create a more integrated approach to resolving complaints, ensuring the Commission’s work aligns with broader efforts to improve governance.

“To this end, you are encouraged to collaborate with sister agencies to ensure that public complaints are handled holistically, and all relevant institutions are brought into the process,” he said.

President of the Senate noted that the PCC, which was established by the Constitution, had been existing before the creation of several agencies with similar mandates.

Senator Akpabio charged the PCC board with listening to the citizens and connecting the governed with the government.

The PCC, whose board is chaired by the Chief Commissioner, Alhaji Bashir Abubakar, MFR, from Kaduna State, has 37 members representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Lateefah Ibrahim