The Public Complaints Commission is the machinery for the control of administrative excesses (non- adherence to procedures or abuse of law). It is an organ of the government set up to redress complaints lodged by aggrieved citizens or residents in Nigeria against administrative injustice.

The Commission aims at promoting social justice for the individual citizen. It is also to provide a viable option for Nigerians or anyone resident in Nigeria seeking redress against injustice arising from administrative bureaucratic errors, omission or abuse by officials of government, or limited liability companies in Nigeria.

The Commission also has the role of improving public administration in the laws, procedures, practices, rules and regulations and standard behavior of officials. These are provided for in the ACT, CAP 37 LFN 2004.

The primary function of the Public Complaints Commission is to provide impartial investigation on behalf of the complainants who feel aggrieved by the action or inaction of the government or local government or private companies.

The Commissions investigation department is divided into 4 sections each handling a specific area. These are:

  • Private sector
  • Pensions
  • Public sector
  • Schools
  • Community Relations
  • Banking and financial institutions.

The Commission is independent of government bureaucracy and at the same time has extensive powers regarding confidentiality and access to all government information including the production of documents which can aid the Commission’s investigation, The Commission is empowered to enforce compliance in order to obtain the necessary information. This power is vital to the Commission in facilitating impartial investigation in order to arrive at a fair and equitable decision. Investigation of all complaints are provided at no cost to both the complainant and respondent i.e. citizen and non citizen resident in the country and their complaints are treated with the confidentiality they deserve. The commission has enabled it’s staff to handle all complaints speedily.

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote an effective and efficient service that is responsible and responsive to the needs of the citizenry through investigation and resolution of complaints against Federal, State, Local Governments, Public Corporations and Private Sector Organizations and their Officials.

VISION STATEMENT

To restore the dignity of man through the enthronement of rule of law and the protection of the individual/organization against administrative injustice.

CORE VALUES

  • Social Justice
  • Efficient Service Delivery
  • Integrity
  • Accountability
  • Efficiency
    Diligence

OBJECTIVES OF THE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS COMMISSION

The Commission aims at promoting social justice for the individual citizen. It is also to provide a viable option for Nigerians or anyone resident in Nigeria seeking redress against injustice arising from administrative bureaucratic errors, omission or abuse by officials of government, or limited liability companies in Nigeria.

The Commission also has the role of improving public administration in the laws, procedures, practices, rules and regulations and standard behavior of officials. These are provided for in the ACT, CAP 37 LFN 2004.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Independence

The Public Complaints Commission is independent of government interference in its mandate, operations, structure, function, and appearance. However, it reports to the National Assembly for budgetary and administrative purposes only but has access to senior administrators to convey perceived issues and trends within the government. The Commission presents its score card through anonymous aggregate statistical data in its Annual Reports.

Confidentiality

The Commission holds all communications with those seeking assistance in the strictest confidence allowed by law. The identity of Complainants and the substance of concerns raised are not shared without consent. The only exception to maintaining confidentiality occurs in cases where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm or a threat or possibility of harm.

Informality

The Commission does not participate in any formal judicial or administrative procedure or investigations, issue findings, or make or overturn administrative decisions.

Neutrality

The Commission considers the interests of all parties involved in a complaint impartially to assist them in reaching mutually acceptable agreements that are fair, equitable, and consistent with the social justice. The Commission does not serve as an advocate for either the Complainant or the Respondent.