Public Complaints Commission Nigeria

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS COMMISSION SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH MINISTRY OF JUSTICE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE, DECONGEST PRISONS AND TO AMEND ITS CURRENT ACT.

The Honourable Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Honourable Bashir Abubakar, MFR, has called for a stronger institutional collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice in order to strengthen administrative justice, decongest correctional centres and as it prepares to amend its current act.

Abubakar made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja.

According to the Chief Commissioner, the Commission complements the formal judicial system by addressing administrative injustices before they escalate into protracted litigation, thereby easing the burden on courts already grappling with heavy dockets and inherited backlogs.

Bashir Abubakar informed the Minister specifically that since assuming duty in September, 2024, the Commission had received a total number of 714,648 complaints, while 658,670 complaints were timely and successfully resolved attributing this excellent feat to the new policy, strategic operational reforms and restructuring of the Commission's online and other publicity drive by his watchful leadership in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr President geared towards the overall interest of the Nigerian public.

Similarly, the Honourable Chief Commissioner further commended the reform-driven leadership of the Attorney-General in sustaining justice delivery despite systemic challenges, noting that, early dispute resolution strengthens public confidence in government at both national and international levels.

Abubakar identified congestion in correctional facilities as a major concern.
Stressing that, "Persistent congestion is largely attributable to trial delays, over-reliance on custodial sentences for minor offences, and limited application of non-custodial measures. Many individuals detained for minor, non-violent matters remain in prolonged remand".

In a bid to resolve the prevailing problems as it relates to justice administration in the country, the Nigerian Chief Ombudsman pledged that "the Commission, through its investigative mandate, stands ready to collaborate with justice sector actors to promote alternatives such as mediation, restorative justice, and community-based sanctions—thereby contributing to decongestion and overall justice system optimization" ,he reaffirmed.

Speaking further on the importance of the collaboration between the Commission and the Ministry of Justice, the Chief Commissioner said "it is not merely procedural; it is foundational to the equitable administration of justice in Nigeria.
"We look forward to deepening collaboration, strengthening systemic responses, and jointly advancing administrative justice for the benefit of all Nigerians", he emphasised.

Responding, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice congratulated the Chief Commissioner on his achievements since assumption of office and acknowledged the constitutional recognition and importance of the Commission.

According to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, "The PCC occupies a very key constitutional position and serves as an important institution that checks public institutions while partnering with justice and anti-corruption agencies", the Minister asserted.

Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, later emphasised that both institutions share a lot in common, especially regarding anti-corruption efforts, the rule of law, and the enforcement of rights. He also underscored the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the administration of justice.

The Minister assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate in advancing justice sector reforms, including possible review of relevant legal frameworks, and pledged continued institutional support, he concluded.

The Honourable Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, Honourable Bashir Abubakar, MFR, joined other prominent Nigerians at the 18th Edition of the Leadership Annual Conference and Awards themed “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria" held at the Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja on Thursday.

PCC CHIEF COMMISIONER COMMENDS ONGOING REFORMS, URGES ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

The Honourable Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, Honourable Bashir Abubakar, MFR, has called for rigorous financial accountability as a panacea for the country’s budget deficit challenges.

Speaking at a One-day Public Hearing and interactive session on the 2026 Appropriation Bill organised by the Senate on Monday in Abuja, *Abubakar commended the guest speaker Prof.Babatunde Wasiu Adeoye, describing his presentation as apt and straight to the point.* He bemoaned systemic issues where public funds are lost due to inflated contract costs, incomplete works and substandard quality of projects. The Chief Commissioner urged the legislature to intensify their oversight of government Ministries, Agencies and Departments to ensure allocated resources are effectively managed under the current administration.

The hearing, themed "From Budget to Impact: Strengthening Macroeconomic Stability, Accelerating Infrastructure Delivery and Improving Security Through Fiscal Discipline, Tax Reforms and Effective Implementation Of The 2026 Budget," brought together key government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society to ensure that national resources are strictly aligned with the country's aspirations.

Declaring the hearing Open, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who represented the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, described the process as a "moment of national self-examination" required to address persistent hurdles such as inflation, infrastructure gaps, and security concerns.

Representing the Federal Government, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, defended the proposal as a “Budget of Consolidation”. She emphasised that while reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies were difficult, they have already begun to improve GDP growth and external reserves.

According to the Minister, the central pillar of the 2026 strategy is the introduction of “investment budgeting,” a framework designed to attract private sector capital. This approach is intended to bridge Nigeria’s massive infrastructure gap as part of a long-term vision to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2036.

Experts at the hearing warned that policy reforms alone are insufficient without rigorous ex*****on. The Guest Speaker, Professor Babatunde Wasiu Adeoye of the University of Lagos, urged the National Assembly to adopt performance-based budgeting and conduct quarterly performance reviews to ensure transparency. He pointed to international models in Canada and South Africa as benchmarks for institutional oversight.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, assured stakeholders that the insights gathered would be integral to the final legislative report. He reaffirmed the Senate's commitment to ensuring the budget moves decisively “from planning to performance and from appropriation to impact".

Dear Veterans,

Christmas extols transparency,justice,equity and Honesty.These are the key elements of the world Ombudsman mission.Lets imbibe the spirit of these cultures and make Nigeria and indeed the world a better place.

_“PCC,YOUR DEPENDABLE ALLAY IN JUSTICE & EQUITY”_

_Compliment of the Season & Happy New Year._

Hon.Bashir Abubakar MFR
Chief Commissioner
Public Complaints Commission
(Nigeria Ombudsman)

https://pcc.gov.ng/12-years-after-retirement-police-officer-receives-pension-following-pcc-intervention/

Public Complaints Commission - Nigeria Ombudsman

https://pcc.gov.ng/pcc-at-50-akpabio-abbas-pledge-national-assemblys-support-improved-funding-for-commission-say-pcc-is-the-conscience-of-the-state/

pcc.gov.ng

After 12 years of waiting, a retired police officer finally receives his pension thanks to the Public Complaints Commission's intervention. Discover this heartwarming story and others in our latest newsletter.

https://pcc.gov.ng/pcc-at-50-akpabio-abbas-pledge-national-assemblys-support-improved-funding-for-commission-say-pcc-is-the-conscience-of-the-state/

Public Complaints Commission - Nigeria Ombudsman

PCC CELEBRATES HONOURABLE CHIEF COMMISSIONER'S BIRTHDAY IN GRAND STYLE

The Public Complaints Commission, (PCC) marked the birthday of its Honourable Chief Commissioner, Honourable Bashir Abubakar, MFR, in a grand ceremony on Friday at its headquarters in Abuja.

Management and Staff of the Commission came together to rejoice with him on his special day with songs and prayers.

Secretary to the Commission, Hajia Aishatu Aliyu, opened the floor with a wonderful tribute in honour of the celebrant.

In her words, “We thank God for another day in your life’s journey and for the opportunity to serve under your leadership. You inspire us to carry out our responsibilities with commitment and uphold every commitment whether to the government or ourselves”.

She further prayed for more good health and wisdom to steer the ship and wished him greater prosperity ahead.

In his appreciative speech, the Chief Commissioner, Hon. Bashir Abubakar, MFR, thanked the organisers and Staff of the Commission for their kind words and prayers, while appreciating God for the peace and unity being enjoyed in the Commission.

Furthermore, he urged the Staff to lift and upgrade themselves while charging attendees to impact positively on the lives of people around them.

The celebrant further demanded from them
to do a recap and examine whether each and every one of them has made any significant contribution to the course of humanity.

The HCC later called for collective effort and diligence at work in order to move the country forward, citing recent reforms especially in the security sector by the present administration.

During the celebration, there were also goodwill messages from the directors who prayed for good health for the celebrant.

They further thanked him for the good work he has been implementing in the Commission particularly in areas that directly affect the staff and their families while urging him to continue in that progression and also, may his influence continue to inspire and uplift the Commission in general.

Similarly, other members of staff also prayed for the Chief Commissioner's success and utmost fulfilment in his tenure, personal engagements, family affairs and political aspirations.

Other highlights of the ceremony includes the singing and dancing to the trumpeter melodious tunes, cutting of cake and group photograph sessions.