Awareness and Usage of Management Information Systems and Decision Support Systems in Selected Federal Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria

This study investigates awareness and usage of management information systems (MIS) and decision support systems (DSS) in government agencies in Abuja, Nigeria. The population of the study includes all the staff at Level 7 and above in all the listed ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) below with a total number of 850 employees across all selected MDAs. Data was collected using a questionnaire. It was found that respondents have minimal knowledge of management information systems but moderate knowledge of decision support systems, with significant differences in their perceived effects on improving data management, decision-making speed, and reducing corruption. The findings also suggested limited acquaintance with both MIS and DSS, possibly due to low computer literacy or managerial transparency issues. While familiarity with MIS/DSS was evident, actual usage remained low, emphasising the need for improvement, particularly in finance, budgeting, and inter-agency services. MIS positively impacted data accuracy, record-keeping, and decision-making speed, while DSS enhanced decision-making efficiency and reduced operational costs. However, gaps in explaining these disparities call for further investigation, possibly employing experimental design studies. The recommendations stress tailored strategies, comprehensive training, and transparent communication, with leadership support crucial for successful integration. Future research should explore user experiences, decision-making implications, and policy impact, aiming to enhance MIS and DSS utilisation within government agencies and guide effective policy implementation.