The realities of developing modern information resources management systems in government organisations in developing countries with particular reference to Nigeria

Abstract

Reviewed are the characteristics of the environ ments of government organisations and how they affect infor mation management in them. This sets the stage for dis cussing some of the key issues pertaining to the development of modern information management policies and systems in government organisations in developing countries The issues include the need to adequately and appropriately sensitise top public servants to information management and technol ogy issues: the process and difficulty of institutionalising mod ern information management systems; the need for effective information evaluation and coordinating functions in the or ganisations, the socio-economic ramifications of the question of appropriate information technology for government organi sations in developing countries, and the problems of sustained funding of, and staff training and development strategies for, new information management programmes and systems. Illu minating examples are drawn from past and present informa tion management situations of government ministries, depart ments and agencies in Nigeria and other developing countries.