Chief commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Bashir Abubakar, says the organisation has resolved over 1.2 million cases since its establishment 50 years ago.
He, however, said 522,778 complaints were under active consideration.
At a press conference in Abuja to mark the golden jubilee of Nigeria’s Ombudsman institution, Abubakar described the milestone as a reflection of Nigerians’ confidence in the commission’s ability to deliver justice and uphold administrative fairness.
Despite its achievements, Abubakar acknowledged that the commission still faces critical challenges, particularly inadequate funding, which has affected logistics, staff development, and enforcement capacity.
“Limited budgetary allocation continues to constrain our operations. To strengthen our impact, the commission requires greater support from the government and policymakers,” he said.
The chief commissioner said the PCC under his leadership was being restructured for efficiency, with a focus on digital transformation and the adoption of technology-based complaint management systems to ensure quicker and more transparent resolutions.
“We are repositioning the commission to meet global standards by embracing technology for case management. Justice delayed is justice denied, and we are determined to reduce delays significantly,” he added.
Abubakar said the PCC, created in 1975 through Decree No. 31 following the recommendations of the Chief Jerome Udoji-led Public Service Review Panel, had been instrumental in bridging the gap between citizens and government institutions. The decree, now captured under Section 315(5b) of the 1999 Constitution and the PCC Act (CAP P37, LFN 2004), empowers the commission to investigate complaints against public authorities, statutory corporations, and registered private entities.
“In the last five decades, the commission has received a total of 1,802,267 complaints, of which 1,279,489 have been resolved. Our interventions have provided justice to ordinary Nigerians, enhanced accountability in governance and strengthened public confidence in institutions,” Abubakar said.
As part of activities marking its 50th anniversary, the PCC will host a national event today at the Abuja Continental Hotel, themed “Effective Ombudsman Institution: Catalyst for Good Governance.” The ceremony is expected to be attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abass and other distinguished guests.
The event is expected to feature high-level panel discussions on “Ombudsman Mission Under Democratic Governance” and “Alternative Dispute Resolution: Panacea for Sustainable Peace and Development.”
Abubakar used the occasion to pay tribute to past leaders of the Commission, from the late Ambassador Maitama Sule, the pioneer chief commissioner, to his predecessor, Hon. Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf, as well as staff and institutional partners for their contributions to sustaining the PCC’s vision.
