Senate Begins Process to Transform Public Complaints Commission into Independent National Ombudsman

Neda Imasuen has sponsored a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) Act to transform the Commission into an independent National Ombudsman Institution with broader powers to promote accountability, transparency and administrative justice in Nigeria.

Leading the debate on the bill during plenary, Senator Imasuen said the proposed legislation is aimed at modernising and strengthening the legal and institutional framework of the Public Complaints Commission in line with Section 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), current governance realities and internationally recognised ombudsman principles.

He noted that while the Commission was established to provide citizens with an accessible platform for seeking redress against administrative injustice, abuse of office and arbitrary actions by public authorities, the existing law has become inadequate in addressing evolving governance challenges, technological advancements and rising public expectations.

According to the lawmaker, the bill seeks to reinforce the Commission's independence and operational autonomy, empowering it to receive, investigate, mediate and resolve complaints relating to maladministration, abuse of power, unfair treatment and other administrative actions or omissions by public authorities, public officers and corporate bodies whose activities impact citizens' rights and welfare.

Imasuen explained that the proposed legislation would significantly expand the Commission's investigative powers, enabling it to conduct more effective inquiries, obtain relevant information and documents, make recommendations and promote compliance with the principles of fairness, accountability, transparency and good governance across public institutions.

A key feature of the bill, he said, is the establishment of a comprehensive Public Interest Disclosure and Whistle-blower Protection Framework. The framework is intended to encourage individuals to report corruption, abuse of office, maladministration and other improper conduct in both public and private institutions without fear of intimidation, victimisation or retaliation.

He stressed that protecting whistle-blowers is globally recognised as a critical mechanism for promoting integrity, transparency and accountability in governance.

The senator further stated that the bill would strengthen administrative justice by providing Nigerians with a more effective and accessible avenue for seeking redress against unfair administrative actions, reducing bureaucratic arbitrariness, enhancing accountability in the public sector and restoring public confidence in government institutions.

He added that the proposed reforms would align Nigeria's ombudsman system with international best practices, where independent ombudsman institutions play a vital role in safeguarding citizens' rights, promoting good governance and improving public service delivery.

Describing the legislation as a strategic institutional reform, Imasuen said it would deepen democratic governance, strengthen the rule of law, improve transparency and entrench a culture of accountability in public administration.

He urged his colleagues to support the bill and allow it to scale second reading to facilitate further legislative scrutiny and broad stakeholder engagement in the public interest.