The Honourable Federal Commissioner, Public Complaint Commission (PCC) Enugu, Barr. Edith Okoli, alongside senior officers of the Commission, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Enugu, aimed at strengthening collaboration and reinforcing mutual institutional support.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!They were received by the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze.
Barr. Ozongwu welcomed the delegation and commended the PCC for its vital role in ensuring administrative justice and safeguarding citizens’ rights. He noted that no government can achieve meaningful development without mechanisms that allow the public to channel concerns and seek redress. He assured the team of the Ministry’s readiness to work more closely with the PCC, especially in areas that promote transparency, accountability, and improved public service delivery.
Responding, Federal Commissioner Barr. Edith Okoli explained that the visit was part of the Commission’s effort to strengthen institutional relationships and ensure effective handling of public complaints across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. She highlighted that the PCC remains committed to giving voice to the voiceless and ensuring that citizens do not suffer injustice in silence. According to her, collaboration with strategic ministries such as Budget and Planning enables the Commission to address systemic issues that affect service delivery statewide.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze, also acknowledged the long-standing working relationship between both institutions. She noted that the PCC is “not a stranger to the Ministry,” adding that their mandates naturally align, particularly in the areas of public accountability and inclusive governance.
Speaking further on pension administration in Enugu State, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze clarified concerns raised about pension backlogs. She explained that the current administration inherited a large volume of unpaid gratuities from previous governments, but significant progress has been made under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. Through ongoing verification and reforms, retirees now proceed with their gratuities immediately upon retirement. She expressed optimism that within the next two to three years, all inherited backlogs will be completely cleared, putting an end to delayed payments.
As the engagement drew to a close, Barr. Okoli appreciated the Ministry for its openness to collaboration and pledged that the PCC would remain accessible to both citizens and government institutions seeking clarity or support in resolving public grievances. She emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between agencies to ensure fairness, justice, and improved governance across the State.
To strengthen the partnership further, the Federal Commissioner presented the PCC Act and the Manual/Standard Operating Procedures booklet to the Ministry, expressing confidence that the materials would enhance understanding of PCC processes and promote smoother cooperation.