Evaluation of the Effectiveness of E-governance Tools to Mitigate Ghost Workers in Nigerian Public Sectors Using IPPIS and Biometrics

Abstract

The incidence of ghost worker syndrome is alarming, especially in the Nigerian public sector, which has led to a spiraling wage bill where the government spends large sums of money on workers that never existed. E-governance measures are some of the reforms that address the problem of corruption especially ghost workers' hazards. This research examines the effectiveness of Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information system (IPPIS) and Biometric Technology to mitigate ghost workers in the public service in Delta State, Nigeria. The study population (302) consists of senior and junior workers of administrative, finance, and account departments. The research instrument used was a questionnaire which was designed based on the initial qualitative survey. The data were analyzed using simple frequency counts, incidence index, composite index, factor analysis, and multiple regressions. The study revealed that the application of IPPIS and Biometrics in combating ghost workers syndrome is highly efficient by 81% and 90%. The study also revealed that the effectiveness of IPPIS and Biometrics in Nigeria is being affected by some underlying constraints such as poor attitudinal disposition towards Biometrics, corrupt practices, and technical inefficiencies. The study recommends that an efficient redesign of the system to prevent treacherous staff from dishonest practices be considered. The study suggests that the government adopt a practice of quality control system, implement electronic governance for effective payroll administration, and proper human resource management. These will mitigate ghost workers from the payroll.

Keywords: E-governance, Ghost Workers, IPPIS, Biometric Technology