Electronic Governance and Corruption in Nigeria: Combing Insights from Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) Implementation

Abstract

The paper explores the extent to which IPPIS as an e-governance tool reduces corruption in the Nigerian public service. This investigation was motivated basically because IPPIS was introduced to guard against fraudulent practices and entrench accountability as well as transparency in the Nigerian Public Service. However, there are mixed reactions regarding its effectiveness in the Nigerian public service. Utilizing the qualitative method, this paper infers from analysis of existing bibliographic documentation that the use of IPPIS based on the evidence cited across Africa and Nigeria in particular is instrumental in deterring and detecting fraud. Hence, the paper supports the application of IPPIS in all MDAs. The paper, however, strongly concludes that the extension to MDAs at various levels of government can easily be facilitated and made more effective when proper records of employees are fed into the IPPIS and the operators are constantly trained and motivated to encourage them to be upright while discharging their duties. Furthermore, a comprehensive payroll and personnel system modules should be built into the IPPIS to enhance its effectiveness. Consequent upon the foregoing, the paper recommends inter alia that there is a need for government to extend its implementation to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at Federal, State and Local Government levels.