Pulse.ng : Ombudsman Chief Advocates Reforms for Transparent, Accountable Governance

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

Hon. Bashir Abubakar, Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), has called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen the Ombudsman institution as a key driver of transparency, fairness, and accountability in governance.

Abubakar made the call while delivering a speech at the Global Ombudsman Summit and 50 Years of Public Complaints Commission celebration, held on October 21, 2025, at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The event, themed “Effective Ombudsman Institution: Catalyst for Good Governance,” brought together stakeholders, diplomats, and advocates of administrative justice from across the world.

He said the ombudsman serves as an impartial bridge between citizens and the state, ensuring justice in public administration through investigation of complaints and promotion of good governance practices.

He added that national development must transcend politics, stressing that the ombudsman plays a crucial role in monitoring the fair and transparent execution of government projects for the benefit of all citizens.

He explained that a merit-based reward and punishment system remains vital for effective public service, noting that the ombudsman ensures accountability while deterring corruption and misconduct in government institutions.

He noted that a strict security clearance process for public officials is necessary to protect the integrity of the ombudsman’s office and shield it from political or personal influence.

He emphasised that continuous professional training, especially for politically appointed staff, is essential to instill ethics, impartiality, and fairness in the discharge of duties.

He however observed that a responsive judiciary is critical to the success of the ombudsman, adding that delays in justice undermine public confidence and weaken institutional effectiveness.

He recalled that President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a recent judicial forum, identified frivolous appeals and judicial intimidation as major obstacles in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

He said collaboration between the ombudsman and judiciary would help ensure speedy resolution of complaints, reinforce the rule of law, and make administrative justice a reality for all.

He noted that empowering traditional and community institutions to handle local disputes would enhance access to justice and allow the ombudsman to focus on broader issues of maladministration.

He added that creating a strong, rule-based administrative mechanism would safeguard the ombudsman’s independence, ensuring it remains effective regardless of leadership changes.

He stressed the need to embrace modern technology, such as online complaint portals and automated case tracking systems, to improve accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery.

He further urged the use of proactive research to identify patterns of maladministration and recommend policy reforms that address systemic weaknesses in public service.

He concluded that the ombudsman is more than a complaints office, describing it as the conscience of democracy and a vital force for fairness and good governance.

He called on government and stakeholders to commit to reforms that guarantee every citizen’s right to administrative justice, fairness, and equal treatment under the law, affirming that a stronger ombudsman system will help build a more just and accountable Nigeria.