By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called on the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) to evolve into a fully digital ombudsman capable of real-time complaint tracking, data-driven policy analysis, and improved coordination with government ministries and agencies.
Speaker Abbas made the call during the opening session of the 2025 Global Ombudsman Summit and the 50th Anniversary celebration of the PCC, held in Abuja on Tuesday. 
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Speaker Abbas stressed the need for the Commission to expand its capacity, extend its reach, and adopt innovative mechanisms such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to effectively handle public grievances.
The Speaker noted that the time had come for the PCC to transition into a modern, technology-driven institution that not only manages complaints efficiently but also contributes to shaping legislative and executive reforms through data insights and research.
He assured that the House of Representatives will continue to provide the necessary support to strengthen the Commission and enhance its ability to deliver justice and fairness to all Nigerians.
“Additionally, expanding its reach to all states and local governments is vital to ensure justice and administrative fairness are accessible to every Nigerian”.
He said the theme of the summit, “The Effective Ombudsman Institution: A Catalyst for Good Governance” was apt.
“It speaks directly to the essence of democratic accountability and the moral foundations of public administration. An effective Ombudsman institution serves as a guardian of fairness, an instrument of equity, and a key mechanism for restoring public trust in the machinery of governance. Where public institutions act with impunity or inefficiency, the Ombudsman provides a corrective lens, ensuring that the exercise of authority remains consistent with the values of justice, integrity, and service.
“In this way, the Public Complaints Commission plays a catalytic role in sustaining the delicate balance between the governed and the government, which in turn strengthens confidence in the state and deepening the legitimacy of our democratic institutions”, he added.
The Speaker also pledged the support of the House to enable the PCC fully realize its objectives.
“The National Assembly, as the custodian of the people’s sovereignty, recognizes the strategic importance of the PCC in promoting good governance.
“Under my leadership, the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to strengthening the Commission through effective legislation, oversight, and resource distribution. Recently, the House has reviewed legal frameworks related to anti-corruption efforts, administrative justice, and citizen engagement to ensure coordination among key accountability bodies.
“The National Assembly will continue to play a vital role in realizing this vision. We will work with you to promote reforms that ensure the Commission’s operational independence, financial stability, and strength. The House of Representatives, through its committees, will collaborate with the PCC to review its enabling Act, improve inter-agency cooperation, and secure funding for technology, training, and outreach. We also propose a structured mechanism for regular reporting to turn the PCC’s findings into practical policy recommendations.
“This will strengthen the Commission and bolster accountability, supporting our democracy. The goal is a modern, proactive, people-centred Public Complaints Commission, internationally benchmarked, embodying the justice envisioned fifty years ago”, he assured.
The Speaker commended the Chief Commissioner, other Federal Commissioners, and the entire members staff of the PCC for their dedication to duty, saying that the Commission has consistently upheld the vision of its founders as well as remaining the moral integrity of Nigeria’s civil service.
Established in 1975 under the military administration, the PCC was created to protect citizens from administrative abuse, arbitrariness, and inefficiency within public institutions.
