By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Senate has begun consideration of a bill seeking to overhaul the legal framework of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), with sponsor Senator Neda Imasuen proposing sweeping reforms to transform the Commission into an independent National Ombudsman Institution with stronger powers to promote accountability, transparency and administrative justice.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill during plenary, Imasuen said the proposed legislation seeks to repeal and re-enact the Public Complaints Commission Act in line with Section 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), contemporary governance realities and internationally recognised ombudsman standards.
According to the lawmaker, the Public Complaints Commission was established to provide Nigerians with an accessible platform for seeking redress against administrative injustice, abuse of office and arbitrary actions by public authorities. However, he noted that developments in governance, technology and rising public expectations have exposed the shortcomings of the existing legal framework.
He explained that the bill is designed to strengthen the Commission’s independence and operational autonomy, enabling it to receive, investigate, mediate and resolve complaints arising from maladministration, abuse of power, unfair treatment and other administrative actions or omissions by public authorities, public officials and corporate bodies whose activities affect the rights and welfare of citizens.
Imasuen said the proposed legislation would significantly expand the Commission’s investigative powers by empowering it to conduct more effective inquiries, obtain relevant documents and information, make recommendations and promote compliance with the principles of fairness, accountability, transparency and good governance across public institutions.
A major highlight of the bill, the senator said, is the establishment of a comprehensive Public Interest Disclosure and Whistle-blower Protection Framework aimed at encouraging individuals to report corruption, abuse of office, maladministration and other forms of misconduct in both public and private institutions without fear of intimidation, victimisation or retaliation.
He stressed that effective protection of whistle-blowers has become a globally recognised mechanism for promoting integrity, transparency and accountability in governance.
According to Imasuen, the proposed law would also strengthen administrative justice by providing Nigerians with a more effective and accessible avenue to seek redress against unfair administrative actions, reduce bureaucratic arbitrariness, improve public sector accountability and restore public confidence in government institutions.
The senator added that the legislation would bring Nigeria’s ombudsman system in line with international best practices, where independent ombudsman institutions play a critical role in safeguarding citizens’ rights, promoting good governance and improving public service delivery.
Describing the proposal as a strategic institutional reform, Imasuen said its passage would deepen democratic governance, strengthen the rule of law, enhance 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 pave the way for further legislative scrutiny and wider stakeholder consultations in the national interest.
