PUBLIC COMPLAINTS COMMISSION: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE INJUSTICE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This research examines the role of the Public Complaints Commission in protecting the rights of citizens against administrative injustice in Nigeria. The study adopts the doctrinal methodology of research and data were sourced from primary and secondary sources. This research finds that the primary function of the Public Complaints Commission is to provide an impartial investigation on behalf of the complainants who are aggrieved by the action or inactions of the government or local government, or public officials. The study shows that the Public Complaints Commission have not been duly effective in curbing incidences of administrative injustice in Nigeria. The Commission lacks jurisdiction to investigate certain matters which contribute to weaknesses in the power of the Commission. This research further finds that lack of independence, lack of legal punitive capacity, insufficient funding, inadequate publicity, illiteracy and ignorance, and deficiency in the Establishment Act are the challenges militating against the effectiveness of the PCC in ensuring the rights of citizens against administrative injustice. This research therefore recommends that in order to allow for a better appreciation of the role of Public Complaints Commission and a more effective performance, section 6(1)(2) & (3) of the Public Complaints Commission Act should be amended to remove all unnecessary restrictions placed by the section on the powers of the Commission, and concludes that the other identified challenges needs to be curbed so as to ensure effective roles of the PCC in granting citizens� rights to administrative justice in Nigeria.

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urn:uuid:4317d8a5-03a9-4bc9-acb6-609207e25971