The Role of Human Resource Information Systems in Personnel Management Efficiency in Plateau State Government Agencies

This research evaluates the role of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) in enhancing personnel management efficiency in selected government agencies in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. With Nigeria's public sector facing chronic inefficiencies in payroll management, staff records, recruitment, and personnel planning, the adoption of digital HR systems represents a critical reform pathway. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from 140 HR officers, IT administrators, and senior civil servants in five state agencies. The Technology Acceptance Model and Institutional Theory provide the theoretical underpinning for the study. Findings indicate that agencies utilizing HRIS platforms report faster processing of staff promotions and transfers, reduced payroll fraud, and improved accuracy in personnel records compared to agencies still relying on manual systems. However, the study identifies low digital literacy among older staff, inadequate infrastructure, and resistance to organizational change as key barriers to effective HRIS adoption. Frequent power outages and unreliable internet connectivity in certain local government areas further constrain full system utilization. Recommendations include investment in digital literacy training, power backup systems, and phased HRIS implementation supported by a change management framework. The study is particularly relevant to the Plateau State Ministry of Establishment, HR reform committees, and public sector IT planners. Keywords: human resource information systems, HRIS, personnel management, Plateau State, public sector