Management Information Systems and Decision-Making in Nigerian State Health Management Boards: Evidence from Kaduna State

Effective public health decision-making in Nigerian states depends on timely access to reliable health system data, yet management information systems in state health management boards remain underdeveloped relative to the decisions they are expected to support. This study examines the use of management information systems in decision-making at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Kaduna State Hospitals Management Board. A descriptive survey of 90 health administrators and data managers examined system availability, data quality perceptions, frequency of data use in resource allocation and programme planning decisions, and barriers to effective MIS utilisation. Findings indicate that while both organisations maintain district health information software installations, only 44 percent of surveyed managers regularly consult MIS data before making resource allocation decisions. Data quality concerns, particularly relating to completeness of reporting from rural facilities, are cited as the primary reason for reliance on experiential rather than evidence-based decision-making. The study contextualises findings within the health information systems strengthening agenda promoted by the Federal Ministry of Health and international development partners. Recommendations include mandatory MIS data review protocols for senior health management decisions and targeted data quality improvement programmes for low-reporting facilities. Keywords: management information systems, health administration, Kaduna State, public health, decision-making.