‘Public Complaints Commission received 64,967 cases, resolved 15,077 in 5 months’

Chief Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Bashir Abubakar, on Tuesday said that between October 2024 when he assumed office and March this year, 64,967 complaints were received and 15,077 resolved. Speaking in Abuja during a press briefing, he said many of the complaints bordered on injustice against workers from government institutions, bridge of trust from […]

Chief Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Bashir Abubakar, on Tuesday said that between October 2024 when he assumed office and March this year, 64,967 complaints were received and 15,077 resolved.

Speaking in Abuja during a press briefing, he said many of the complaints bordered on injustice against workers from government institutions, bridge of trust from business partners, cases of corruption, among other cases, from various sectors.

Abubakar said most of the complaints were against the power sector.

“Out of this figure, we have so far fully resolved and dispensed of 15,077 complaints, which translates to a 23.19% resolution rate.”

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He said the frosty relationship between the management and labour unions in the commission before his assumption of office led to a three-week protest and industrial action that paralysed the commission’s activities.

“With improved communication and collaborative problem-solving skills, which were effectively deployed, the unions embraced peace. They demonstrated a conciliatory gesture by writing a letter of apology to the leadership of the National Assembly for infractions committed during the industrial action,” he said.

He added: “Our goal is to build a workforce that would operate in strict adherence to public service rules and upholding the highest ethical standards required of an ombudsman institution.

“And again, plans are underway to clear all outstanding arrears and claims owed to our workforce. It is not merely about fairness, but also about motivating excellence in our organisation. We have conducted a comprehensive assessment that reveals gaps in professionalism, and we are responding with earmarked comprehensive capacity-building programmes to equip our workforce with the necessary skills, in line with global ombudsman standards to be able to support our work in the evolving governance and social landscapes in Nigeria.”

Abubakar applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, members of the Appropriation Committees of both chambers and their counterparts in the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committees for their commitment to improving the Commission’s budgetary allocation for this year and fulfilling their promise to empower the Commission.

He said their support and efforts had availed the commission with critical resources to address longstanding challenges that had hindered its effectiveness.

He revealed that the commission was also strengthening its partnerships with governments at all levels; ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), the private sector, communities and other domestic stakeholders to enhance service delivery for Nigerians.

Abubakar said the commission planned to engage notable Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and some well-respected Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones that would provide pro bono services to support investigative and dispute resolution processes.

He said despite past challenges, his team had recorded progress, adding that as the commission approaches its 50th anniversary this October, it remains resolute in its mission to transform into a cornerstone of nation-building and democratic governance.