The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has sought closer collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice to expand access to administrative justice, tackle congestion in correctional centres and advance plans to amend its enabling law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Honourable Chief Commissioner of the Commission, Bashir Abubakar, MFR, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the ministry\u2019s headquarters in Abuja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abubakar said stronger institutional cooperation between both agencies would enhance early dispute resolution mechanisms and reduce pressure on courts already burdened by heavy caseloads and longstanding backlogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He explained that the Commission plays a complementary role to the formal judicial system by resolving administrative grievances before they escalate into prolonged litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing an update on the Commission\u2019s performance, the Chief Commissioner disclosed that since assuming office in September 2024, the PCC had received 714,648 complaints nationwide, out of which 658,670 were successfully resolved within record time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He attributed the outcome to new operational policies, institutional restructuring and expanded public awareness initiatives introduced under his leadership in alignment with the Federal Government\u2019s reform agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abubakar also commended the Attorney-General\u2019s reform-driven approach to justice administration, noting that prompt dispute resolution strengthens public trust in government institutions both locally and internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighting prison congestion as a pressing national concern, the Chief Commissioner identified delays in criminal trials, excessive reliance on custodial sentencing for minor offences and limited adoption of non-custodial measures as major contributors to overcrowded correctional facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to him, many individuals accused of minor and non-violent offences remain on prolonged remand, worsening pressure on the correctional system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pledged the Commission\u2019s readiness to work with justice sector stakeholders through its investigative mandate to promote mediation, restorative justice and community-based sanctions as alternatives capable of reducing prison populations while improving overall justice delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abubakar stressed that collaboration between the PCC and the Ministry of Justice was fundamental to strengthening fairness and accountability within the justice system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe look forward to deepening collaboration, strengthening systemic responses and jointly advancing administrative justice for the benefit of all Nigerians,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his response, Attorney-General Fagbemi congratulated the Chief Commissioner on the Commission\u2019s achievements and reaffirmed the constitutional importance of the PCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He described the Commission as a critical oversight institution that complements justice and anti-corruption agencies by holding public institutions accountable while safeguarding citizens\u2019 rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister noted that both institutions share common objectives in promoting the rule of law, combating corruption and strengthening rights enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fagbemi also underscored the growing relevance of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms in improving justice administration and assured the PCC delegation of the ministry\u2019s willingness to collaborate on justice sector reforms, including the possible review of relevant legal frameworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pledged continued institutional support towards strengthening administrative justice and improving service delivery across the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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