PCC System Building and Compliance’ Conference: FG Reaffirms Commitment to Good Governance
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public institutions, promoting administrative accountability and improving service delivery, describing effective systems and compliance with established procedures as critical to good governance.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated this at the First Nigerian Ombudsman Annual Conference
Akume, who addressed participants on behalf of the Federal Government, said the gathering represented an important opportunity to strengthen the relationship between government institutions and citizens by promoting a public service that listens, responds and remains accountable to the people.
He congratulated the Commission, under the leadership of its Chief Commissioner, Hon. Bashir Abubakar, MFR, for convening the conference, describing the PCC as an important institution for addressing administrative excesses, abuse of office and disregard for due process in public institutions and private organisations within its jurisdiction.
According to him, the ultimate purpose of government is to advance the welfare, dignity and security of citizens, adding that complaints brought before the Commission often reflect real challenges confronting Nigerians in their dealings with institutions.
He cited issues such as delayed pension payments, unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, unfair treatment of employees and failure by government agencies to provide services for which they were established.
Akume noted that when such grievances remain unresolved, citizens may lose confidence in government, thereby weakening the relationship between the state and the people.
He therefore described the PCC as more than an institution for investigating complaints, emphasising its role in safeguarding public trust and promoting fairness in administrative processes.
The SGF said the conference theme was timely, stressing that national development depends on strong institutions, clearly defined procedures and standards that are consistently enforced.
He explained that effective systems provide the framework for sound decision-making, prevent abuse of authority, preserve accurate records and ensure that public services are delivered efficiently.
According to him, weak institutional structures create room for arbitrary decisions, unnecessary delays and administrative practices that place undue burdens on ordinary citizens.
He stressed the need for public institutions to move beyond reacting to petitions by identifying weaknesses in their operations and introducing measures capable of preventing administrative injustice.
Akume urged government institutions to establish clear mechanisms for checking abuse, enforcing service standards and ensuring that public officials discharge their responsibilities in accordance with established procedures.
He also challenged the Public Complaints Commission to identify recurring administrative failures, recommend lasting reforms and continue investigating complaints professionally, fairly and without fear or favour.
The SGF emphasised that the Commission must remain accessible to all Nigerians, including rural communities and vulnerable citizens who may encounter difficulties seeking redress through conventional administrative channels.
He further assured that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts to strengthen the Commission’s capacity and modernise its operations, noting that the institution plays an important role in democratic governance.
However, he urged the Commission to match such support with measurable performance, high ethical standards, timely resolution of complaints and visible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Akume called on stakeholders to use the conference to renew their commitment to building efficient, effective and resilient institutions that respond to the needs of the people.
He maintained that the lasting value of governance would be reflected in the systems established to serve citizens, protect their interests and ensure that public institutions fulfil their responsibilities.
The conference brought together stakeholders from different sectors to examine the relationship between institutional development, compliance and accountability in strengthening public administration in Nigeria.