By Henry Obetta

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has intensified its institutional reform efforts with the completion of a six-day strategic management and capacity-building programme for staff across the five South-East states.

The training, conducted in two phases from August 4–6 and August 11–13, covered the Commission’s offices in Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra States.

The programme, facilitated by EFTEN GLOBAL RESOURCES NIG. LTD., was designed to strengthen the professional capacity of PCC officers and enhance the Commission’s effectiveness in delivering transparent, efficient and citizen-focused administrative justice.

Participants received training in strategic planning, institutional development, ethical leadership, organisational culture, performance management, complaint investigation, alternative dispute resolution and modern complaint-handling procedures.

The initiative is part of the nationwide human capital development agenda being pursued under the leadership of the Chief Commissioner of the PCC, Mr Bashir Abubakar, to build a more professional and responsive Ombudsman institution.

Speaking during the programme, the Honourable Commissioner representing Abia State, Mr Madukwe Ekaegbu, described the training as a strategic investment in the future of the Commission.

He said the changing nature of public service required continuous learning and institutional renewal, urging officers to “improve their professional competence to meet the growing expectations of Nigerians.”

At the Anambra session, Mr Ndoka Okechukwu, Honourable Commissioner from Adamawa State, encouraged participants to “translate the knowledge gained into improved performance in their respective offices.

He urged the officers to embrace excellence,” accountability and innovation, stressing that capacity building would only be meaningful if it produced measurable improvements in service delivery.

The Lead Consultant, Dr. Awe Ene Norah, commended Chief Commissioner, Bashir Abubakar for entrusting EFTEN GLOBAL RESOURCES NIG. LTD. with the implementation of the training.

According to her, the initiative demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to visionary leadership, continuous professional development and institutional excellence.

Dr. Norah urged participants “to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the workshop to their daily responsibilities, particularly in complaint management, ethical leadership and strategic decision-making.”

She also praised the participants for their discipline, enthusiasm and active participation throughout the programme.

The workshop featured presentations, interactive sessions, practical exercises and case studies aimed at improving institutional governance, leadership, strategic management, complaint investigation, dispute resolution and overall organisational performance.

Observers believe the successful completion of the South-East training represents another step in the PCC’s broader reform programme and could strengthen its ability to promote accountability, transparency and administrative fairness.

With similar capacity-building programmes expected to continue nationwide, stakeholders say the initiative could further modernise complaint-resolution mechanisms and reinforce the PCC’s role in protecting citizens’ rights and promoting good governance.