President Bola Tinubu has declared his administration’s commitment to transforming the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) into a fully digital, proactive and people-centred 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.

The president, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, 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 emphasised 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.

“It is their veto that in a democratic dispensation, we continue to strengthen and expand the PCC’s leadership as part of our political goals to ensure justice, ensure profit, protect rights and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

The president noted that the PCC remained a consistently committed institution in spite of 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,’’ Mr 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.

“An effective ombudsman’s institution silos as a guideline of fairness, an instrument of liberty and a key mechanism for restoring public trust in the vision of governance,” he stressed.

He, however, assured the global and local ombudsman community of the legislature’s commitment to supporting the PCC’s transformation through the National Assembly.

The Chief Commissioner, PCC, 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.

Mr Abubakar stressed that the ombudsman is a vital, independent mediator that ensures fairness, accountability and transparency in public administration.

He noted that the PCC has been a beacon of hope for five decades, providing citizens with a cost-free, neutral platform to challenge administrative injustices and strengthening trust in governance.

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, community engagement, among others.

He advocated for a non-negotiable security clearance process for all public appointments, particularly in the ombudsman’s office, to shield the institution from undue influence and ensure impartiality.

Mr Abubakar reaffirmed the PCC’s commitment, stating that its strength lies in the moral authority of its recommendations.

He urged all participants to commit to a future where “every citizen’s voice is heard and administrative justice is a guaranteed right, not a privilege.”

The Emir of Zazzau, 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.

Former president, 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, ex-president, 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 PCC’s 50th anniversary is a testament to its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in Nigeria.

As the institution continues to work towards ensuring that citizens’ complaints are heard and addressed, it is clear that collaboration and partnership will be key to its success.

(NAN)