By Bashir Bello, Abuja
The Chairman of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Bashir Abubakar, has presented a ₦109 billion budget estimate for 2026 to a joint session of the National Assembly’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Nada Imasuen.
Abubakar revealed that the commission has received over 600,000 cases since he assumed office about 14 months ago, stressing that the proposal was based on operational data from 2025.
He highlighted the commission’s staffing challenges, noting that its 2,200 employees earn below the national minimum wage, a situation he described as ironic for an agency tasked with addressing public grievances.
The chairman stressed that the aim of the management is to revitalise the commission to enable it achieve it’s constitutional mandate where complaints would be treated to it’s logical conclusion.
On technology, the PCC’s Director of Procurement while answering questions from Hon. Mukhtar Shagaya explained that allocations for new software and antivirus programs were necessary because the commission still operates manually and intends to transition to digital systems.
He added that antivirus licenses require periodic renewal, justifying the recurring costs.
in his remarks, Senator Imasuen urged lawmakers not to over-interrogate the appropriation, noting that the PCC’s mandate is similar to that of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). He emphasized the need to support the commission to function effectively.
He further disclosed that the National Assembly is working to amend the PCC Act, a move aimed at strengthening the commission’s legal framework and enhancing its ability to carry out its duties.
This development underscores the PCC’s push for modernization, improved staff welfare, and legislative backing as it seeks to expand its capacity to handle Nigeria’s growing volume of public complaints.
