BY CHIJIOKE. CHARLES
ABUJA – Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (APC, Edo South), on Tuesday led the debate on a bill seeking to repeal the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) Act and replace it with a new legal framework aimed at transforming the Commission into an independent National Ombudsman institution with expanded investigative powers and whistleblower protection.
Afrilensnews reports that the proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Public Complaints Commission Act, Cap. P37, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Re-enact the Public Complaints Commission Act, 2026 to Reposition the Commission as an Independent National Ombudsman Institution and for Related Matters, 2026 (SB1040),” was presented for Second Reading on the floor of the Senate.
Leading the debate, Imasuen said the bill is intended to modernise the Commission’s legal framework in line with Section 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), evolving governance realities and internationally recognised ombudsman principles.
According to him, although the Public Complaints Commission was established to provide Nigerians with an avenue for redress against administrative injustice and abuse of office, the existing law no longer equips the agency to effectively address current governance challenges.
“The principal objective of this Bill is to modernise and strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in accordance with the provisions of Section 315(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), contemporary governance realities, and internationally recognised ombudsman principles,” Imasuen said.
He explained that the bill would reposition the Commission as an independent National Ombudsman Institution empowered to receive, investigate, mediate and resolve complaints involving maladministration, abuse of power, unfair treatment and other actions by public authorities, public officers and corporate bodies affecting citizens’ rights.
Imasuen noted that one of the key innovations contained in the bill is the strengthening of the Commission’s operational independence.
“One of the major innovations introduced by this Bill is the strengthening of the Commission’s independence and operational autonomy. This is intended to enhance public confidence in the institution and ensure that complaints are handled impartially, professionally, and without undue interference,” he stated.
The senator added that the legislation would broaden the Commission’s investigative powers, allowing it to obtain relevant documents, conduct inquiries, make recommendations and promote compliance with the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability across public institutions.
Another major provision of the bill is the creation of a Public Interest Disclosure and Whistleblower Protection Framework aimed at encouraging Nigerians to report corruption, abuse of office and maladministration without fear of intimidation, victimisation or retaliation.
“The protection of whistle-blowers is globally recognised as an essential instrument for promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance,” Imasuen added.
He argued that the bill would strengthen administrative justice by making it easier for Nigerians to seek redress against unfair administrative actions, while improving accountability and public confidence in government institutions.
The lawmaker further said the proposal would bring Nigeria’s ombudsman system in line with international best practices, where independent ombudsman institutions play critical roles in protecting citizens’ rights and promoting good governance.
“The proposed legislation is therefore not merely an institutional reform; it is a strategic intervention aimed at deepening democratic governance, strengthening the rule of law, enhancing transparency, and promoting a culture of accountability in public administration.
“In view of the foregoing, I respectfully urge Distinguished Colleagues to support this important Bill and allow it to proceed to Second Reading so that it may undergo further legislative scrutiny and stakeholder consultation in the public interest,” he said.
If passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, the bill is expected to significantly strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the Public Complaints Commission, expand citizens’ access to administrative justice and provide statutory protection for whistleblowers reporting corruption and official misconduct.
