PCC Reports 716,688 Complaints Resolved in Two Years

By Atlantic Reports

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) says it received 1,281,984 complaints over the past two years and resolved 716,688, as it expanded public outreach and strengthened its operations.

Chief Commissioner Bashir Abubakar disclosed the figures on Tuesday in Abuja during a news conference reviewing his stewardship.

The reported resolutions represent approximately 55.9 per cent of complaints received. The difference between the two totals is 565,296, although the commission did not explain whether those complaints remained pending, were referred elsewhere or had another status.

It also did not clarify whether the resolution figure included cases received before the reporting period or provide an independently assessed measure of complainant satisfaction.

Funding and Staff Welfare

Abubakar recalled that he assumed office on September 24, 2024, alongside 37 federal commissioners representing the states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the National Assembly leadership tasked them with repositioning the commission for more effective service delivery.

According to him, a proposal to increase the commission’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework by more than 100 per cent led to improved budgetary allocations. He did not disclose the previous and revised amounts or distinguish allocations from funds released and spent.

Abubakar said implementation of the full Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure began in July 2026, enabling payment of full salaries and settlement of outstanding wage awards and promotion arrears.

He also reported increased monthly allocations to state offices and the FCT to support operations.

Training and Public Access

The chief commissioner said nationwide biometric verification had been conducted to establish a verifiable staff nominal roll, while new directorates were created to handle growing demand.

He reported that more than 1,185 staff received training in 2024 and 3,410 personnel had been trained so far in 2026. The account did not specify whether these were unique participants or included repeat attendance.

Abubakar also said the commission upgraded its information and communication technology unit and call centre. He attributed the rise in complaints partly to increased publicity.

A higher complaint total indicates greater recorded demand, but does not alone establish whether maladministration increased or access to the commission improved.

He said 1,070 staff were promoted in 2025 and 1,270 in 2026, and described relations between management and staff unions as harmonious.

Ombudsman Conference Planned

The PCC, established in 1975, investigates complaints concerning maladministration and improper administrative conduct in public institutions and private organisations.

Abubakar announced that its first Nigerian Ombudsman Conference would take place on Thursday, with the theme “System Building and Compliance: Key Factors to Good Governance”.

He said founding figures of the commission, policymakers and other stakeholders were expected to attend.

For people seeking redress, the central measures of performance remain how quickly complaints are handled, whether remedies are implemented and what happens to unresolved cases. Publishing that information alongside complaint totals would provide a clearer picture of the commission’s effectiveness.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.