Impact of performance measurement systems on effectiveness in Nigeria’s public IT agencies: evidence from the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and the National Information Technology Development

Abstract

This study examines the impact of performance measurement systems (PMS) on organizational effectiveness in Nigeria’s public sector, with comparative evidence from Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Amid growing emphasis on digital governance, accountability, and results-based management, PMS are increasingly central to public value creation, though their implementation in Nigeria has remained largely compliance-driven with limited outcome focus. Using a mixed-methods approach – combining a census survey, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis for NIGCOMSAT alongside secondary performance data for NITDA due to accessibility problem – the study evaluates PMS across strategic alignment, capacity building, and stakeholder value using a Balanced Scorecard framework. Internal validity is maintained through standardized constructs, triangulation, and validated data, enabling theory-informed comparison. Findings show that PMS effectiveness depends less on formal adoption and more on strategic integration, institutional learning, and stakeholder orientation. While NIGCOMSAT exhibits fragmented implementation and weak feedback mechanisms, NITDA demonstrates a more mature, outcome-driven system embedded in planning and stakeholder engagement, resulting in stronger performance outcomes. Anchored in Public Value Theory, the study concludes that PMS enhance effectiveness when used as tools for learning and decision-making rather than compliance, offering policy-relevant insights for strengthening governance and service delivery in Nigeria’s ICT sector.

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