Since assuming office as the Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, PCC, Hon. Bashir Abubakar, MFR, has led a series of reforms focused on promoting accountability, improving service delivery, and restoring public confidence in government institutions.
Under his leadership, the Commission has intensified efforts to ensure that complaints filed by citizens against government agencies and officials are investigated promptly and resolved fairly, in line with the Commission’s mandate to ensure administrative justice.
One of the major achievements of the Hon. Bashir Abubakar-led administration is the revitalization of public enlightenment and outreach programs across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
This has significantly raised public awareness of the Commission’s role, leading to an increase in the number of complaints received and successfully resolved.
The Chief Commissioner has also prioritized staff training and welfare, with the aim of repositioning the Commission for optimal performance.
Several zonal and state offices have been renovated, while a modern case tracking and management system has been introduced to ensure transparency and reduce case backlogs.
Furthermore, Hon. Abubakar has strengthened collaboration with key stakeholders, including government ministries, departments, and agencies, civil society organizations, and the media.
This partnership has improved inter-agency cooperation and facilitated the speedy resolution of complaints, particularly those relating to maladministration, abuse of office, and denial of citizens’ rights.
In addition, under his stewardship, the Commission has recorded major successes in resolving long-standing disputes between citizens and government agencies by prioritizing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for faster and amicable settlements.
The Chief Commissioner recently announced the full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, CONLESS, for staff of the Commission.
This has brought an end to the payment of half salaries, effective from the July 2026 salary payment.
Hon. Abubakar attributed this achievement to sustained engagements with the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
These engagements resulted in a significant increase in the Commission’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, allocation, as well as the approval of an intervention fund to strengthen the institution.
The Chief Commissioner urged staff to reciprocate this renewed government support with professionalism, diligence, integrity, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
He reaffirmed his commitment to settling outstanding staff entitlements and improving working conditions across the Commission as more funding becomes available.
Hon. Bashir Abubakar, MFR, reiterated his commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and due process, stressing that the Public Complaints Commission remains the “Defender of the People’s Rights” and a vital institution in Nigeria’s democratic system.
His tenure so far has brought greater visibility to the Commission, improved service delivery, and reinforced the commitment that no citizen should be denied justice due to administrative failure.
In recognition of these efforts, various organizations and institutions have continued to commend him as the first Chief Commissioner to transform the Commission.
Bashir Abubakar’s strong work ethic and exemplary leadership began during his tenure as Assistant Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service.
During that period, he received several prestigious awards and recognitions, that include National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, conferred by late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on 19th September 2022 for outstanding service and contributions to Nigeria’s development, ICPC/OSGF Integrity Award 2019 Presented by late President Muhammadu Buhari for rejecting a $412,000 bribe offered by drug traffickers, NAFDAC Merit Award 2019 For support and safeguarding of public health and World Customs Organization, WCO Merit Award 2019
For exceptional service to the international customs community
Others are WCO Award for Exceptional Performance 2019
Recognized on International Customs Day, Controller General of Customs Merit Award 2004 For Best Revenue Recovery
Other Recognitions include, Traditional Title, Barden Kudun Zazzau, conferred by the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, and a school in Kaduna State named after him in honor of his contributions.
And other multiple awards from labor unions, student bodies, media organizations, ministries, institutions, and other groups.