Digital Identity Systems And Public Financial Management: The Role Of Biometric Authentication In Reducing Payroll Bills In Borno State Public Service

Abstract

This study assesses Digital Identity Systems and Public Financial Management: The Role of Biometric Authentication in Reducing Payroll Bills in Borno State Public Service. A cross-sectional field survey employing a convergence triangulation mixed-method design was adopted to generate both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Quantitative data were collected from 426 public servants through a structured questionnaire, while qualitative insights were obtained from key informant interviews involving government officials, members of the biometric committee, and labour union representatives. Data were analysed using multi linear regression for the quantitative component and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The findings indicate that biometric authentication significantly enhances payroll integrity by identifying discrepancies, correcting inaccurate records, and preventing payroll inflation through tamper-resistant verification mechanisms. The system also contributed to substantial reductions in payroll costs by eliminating ghost workers and unauthorised salary claims, while simultaneously improving transparency and administrative efficiency within the public service. Qualitative evidence further revealed that automation, financial accuracy, and system security are major drivers of fiscal accountability within the biometric payroll framework. However, the findings also highlighted persistent challenges, including delays in complaint resolution, human errors, and certain institutional bottlenecks affecting system operations. The study concludes that biometric authentication represents a critical digital governance reform capable of improving payroll efficiency, reducing recurrent expenditure, and strengthening accountability in public financial management. It therefore recommends enhanced capacity building for personnel, the introduction of automated validation protocols, and continuous system audits to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of biometric payroll systems.