The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in Jigawa says it has recorded 11,244 cases since inception.

PCC commissioner, Barde Usman-Shehu, said this at a news conference as part of activities to mark its golden jubilee anniversary on Friday in Dutse.

He said that 9,517 complaints had been resolved amicably, while 1,727 others were pending.

Mr Usman-Shehu said the commission received 797 complaints and resolved 460, while 337 cases were pending between 1993 and 2023.

The commission, he said, played a crucial role in decongesting courts via Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the last 50 years.

He said the mediation platforms availed the citizens with affordable avenues to seek redress against administrative injustice, maladministration and abuse of power in public and private sectors.

According to Mr Usman-Shehu, the ombudsman’s key activities include handling complaints, investigations, dispute mediation, and recommending administrative reforms to promote citizens’ rights.

“Over the past decades, the commission has received millions of cases and resolved hundreds of thousands, strengthening public trust in institutions.

“PCC has promoted accountability and good governance in spite of challenges such as limited resources and public awareness.

“The commission has championed fairness, transparency and good governance by ensuring that the ordinary citizen has access to justice outside the courtroom,” he said.

He said the ombudsman expanded its outreach across 185 zones, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enable it to handle complaints and secure justice for citizens on issues of wrongful dismissal, delayed pensions, salary arrears, land issues and abuse of administrative authority, among others.

Mr Usman-Shehu said the commission initiated viable programmes to enhance its operations, including the establishment of a radio station, digital complaints channels, call centres and community sensitisation programmes.

He said the initiative makes the commission services more accessible and responsive to the citizenry.

The commissioner urged residents of the state to embrace the ADR mechanism in dispute resolution, adding, “It is a very useful means of resolving disputes at a reasonable time and is free of charge.”

To enhance access to its services, PCC established offices in the Birnin Kudu, Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim and Gumel Local Government Areas of the state. 

(NAN)