The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has accused some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of frustrating its oversight responsibilities by repeatedly ignoring invitations and summons issued during investigations into complaints brought by Nigerians.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Bitrus Kwamoti Laori, made the allegation at a retreat organised by the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Abuja, saying several MDAs only honour invitations after being threatened with arrest.

“Some of them will not appear until we threaten them with arrest before you see them showing up,” Laori said.

He disclosed that the committee has received 890 petitions from members of the public since the inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives, reflecting growing public confidence in the legislature as a platform for seeking justice and accountability.

According to him, the committee has concluded work on 200 petitions, while the House has adopted reports on 70 cases, with others awaiting consideration.

“The House of Representatives remains the principal legislative platform for addressing citizens’ grievances, ensuring accountability in public institutions and strengthening public confidence in democratic governance,” he said.

Laori described the Committee on Public Petitions as central to promoting transparency, justice and responsive governance.

“So far, this committee has received 890 petitions from different segments of the citizenry, and we have successfully concluded 200. Out of those, we have presented reports, and the House has considered 70, while the remaining reports are awaiting consideration,” he said.

He attributed the increasing volume and diversity of petitions to the confidence Nigerians have in the committee’s work.

“Almost every kind of petition, including domestic disputes, is brought before this committee. Husbands and wives come here over personal matters because they trust the transparency and fairness with which the committee handles its responsibilities,” he added.

Laori said the retreat was convened to review the committee’s performance and identify priority actions for strengthening citizens’ engagement and improving its effectiveness during the final year of the 10th National Assembly.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, described the Committee on Public Petitions as one of the most important committees in the House because it provides ordinary Nigerians with accessible channels to seek redress.

“For the ordinary Nigerian, this is one committee where you do not have to pay filing fees or hire a lawyer if you cannot afford one. It is a committee that opens its doors to citizens across the country,” Nwankwo said.

Also speaking, Chief Commissioner and National Ombudsman of the Public Complaints Commission, Hon. Bashir Abubakar, pledged closer collaboration with the committee to strengthen the protection of citizens against injustice and arbitrary actions by public institutions.