Senator Neda Imasuen has sponsored a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) Act, with the aim of transforming the Commission into an independent National Ombudsman Institution with expanded powers to promote accountability, transparency and administrative justice in Nigeria.
Leading the debate on the bill during plenary in the Senate, Imasuen said the proposed legislation is designed to modernise the legal and institutional framework governing the Public Complaints Commission in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), current governance realities and internationally recognised ombudsman standards.
According to the senator, the Public Complaints Commission was established to provide Nigerians with an accessible mechanism for seeking redress against administrative injustice, abuse of office and arbitrary actions by public authorities.
However, he noted that developments in governance, technology and increasing public expectations have exposed limitations in the existing law, making comprehensive reforms necessary.
Strengthening Independence and Investigative Powers
Imasuen explained that the bill seeks to strengthen the Commission’s independence and operational autonomy, enabling it to effectively receive, investigate, mediate and resolve complaints arising from maladministration, abuse of power, unfair treatment and other administrative actions by public institutions, public officers and corporate bodies whose activities affect citizens’ rights and welfare.
The proposed legislation also expands the Commission’s investigative powers, allowing it to obtain relevant documents and information, conduct detailed investigations, issue recommendations and encourage compliance with the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance.
Whistle-Blower Protection Framework
One of the major innovations contained in the bill is the creation of a comprehensive Public Interest Disclosure and Whistle-Blower Protection Framework.
According to the lawmaker, 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 emphasised that effective whistle-blower protection is widely recognised as an essential instrument for strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability in public administration.
Promoting Administrative Justice
The senator said the proposed reforms would provide Nigerians with a more accessible and effective avenue for seeking redress against unfair administrative actions while reducing bureaucratic arbitrariness and improving public confidence in government institutions.
He added that the bill would align Nigeria’s ombudsman system with international best practices, where independent ombudsman institutions play critical roles in protecting citizens’ rights, promoting good governance and improving public service delivery.
Describing the proposal as a strategic institutional reform, Imasuen said the legislation would deepen democratic governance, strengthen the rule of law, improve transparency and entrench a stronger culture of accountability across public institutions.
He urged his colleagues in the Senate to support the bill and allow it to pass second reading to pave the way for further legislative consideration and stakeholder engagement in the public interest.
