Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has declared his administration’s commitment to transforming the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) into a fully digital, proactive, and people-centered ombudsman to strengthen democratic accountability and public trust. The President made this known on Tuesday at the 2025 Global Ombudsman Summit and the 50th anniversary of the PCC in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the President, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, congratulated the commission on its golden jubilee. He described the PCC’s establishment in 1975 as a remarkable act of institutional foresight that acknowledged the need for accountability and administrative justice, even under military rule. He emphasized that the commission’s mandate to protect citizens against administrative abuse, neutrality, and inefficiency remains vital today, particularly amidst increasing demands for transparency, inclusion, and ethical governance.
The President noted that the PCC has remained a consistently committed institution despite Nigeria’s complex journey of democratic consolidation, offering hope to countless citizens seeking fairness outside the often slow and inaccessible formal judicial process. Addressing the summit’s theme, ‘Effective Ombudsman’s Institution: Partners for Good Governance’, President Tinubu called on the PCC to evolve its role from reactive complaint handling to proactive institutional reform. He charged the commission to develop its broadest reach, enhance institutional capacity, and adopt effective mechanisms such as spontaneity.
The Chief Commissioner, PCC, Mr. Bashir Abubakar, earlier unveiled a comprehensive nine-point blueprint for institutional reform, declaring that an ‘effective ombudsman institution is the conscience of our democracy.’ The chief commissioner charged delegates to adopt practical, actionable steps to strengthen the ombudsman as a catalyst for good governance. Abubakar stressed that the ombudsman is a vital, independent mediator that ensures fairness, accountability, and transparency in public administration.
He outlined nine essential principles to transform the PCC into a more responsive, equitable, and efficient system, urging both domestic and global partners to support their implementation. The nine essential principles include Collective Development Plans, Reward and Punishment, Meritocracy, Stringent Security Clearance, Constant Training of Staff, Quick Dispensation of Judgements, and Community Engagement among others.
The Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli, praised the PCC for its work in resolving disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and expressed his desire for collaboration between the PCC and traditional institutions. The former President, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in his virtual message, commended the PCC for its dedication to promoting justice, equity, and accountability in governance. He urged the PCC to continue its good work and appreciated its efforts in strengthening public and private administration.
Also speaking, the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who also joined virtually, reflected on the PCC’s history and its role in providing a platform for citizens to air their grievances. He commended the PCC for its commitment to justice, equity, and accountability and urged it to continue upholding these values. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PCC’s 50th anniversary is a testament to its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.