Borno residents seek more awareness of PCC services
By Ahmed Kaigama
Residents of Borno have called on the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) to intensify public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on its mandate of addressing administrative injustice and protecting their rights.
The residents made the call on Wednesday in Maiduguri during the 51st anniversary celebration of the commission, with the theme: “System Building and Compliance: Key Factors to Good Governance.”
They commended the commission for its role as an ombudsman and government institution established to investigate complaints of administrative excesses and injustice involving government institutions, local governments and private organisations.
They, however, expressed concern that many residents remained unaware of the commission’s existence, mandate and free services.
Malam Bukar Satomi, a resident, said he was unaware of the commission and its responsibilities until the anniversary celebration brought the institution to his attention.
Similarly, Madam Rabeca Igze, a civil servant, said many people lacked knowledge of the services provided by the commission.
“People are not aware of the services of the PCC. I only got to know what the commission does today,” she said.
The residents urged the commission to extend its sensitisation campaigns to communities, markets, offices and other public places to ensure wider public awareness.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, PCC staff, officials of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other stakeholders embarked on a street sensitisation exercise in Maiduguri to educate residents on the commission’s mandate and services.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner of the PCC in Borno, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to addressing administrative injustices and promoting equity, justice and fair play in public service delivery.
Adamu said the commission offered free services and maintained strict confidentiality in handling complaints lodged by members of the public.
He acknowledged inadequate public awareness as a major challenge, adding that the commission had intensified sensitisation through awareness campaigns and jingles.
He urged residents to provide accurate information and relevant documents when lodging complaints to facilitate prompt investigation and resolution.
Adamu reiterated the commission’s commitment to strengthening administrative accountability and ensuring justice for all citizens.
NAN
