ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND PUBLIC SECTOR DECISION-MAKING IN GOMBE STATE: A POLITICAL SCIENCE ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE EFFICIENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND POLICY OUTCOMES

Abstract

This study examined the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on public sector decision-making in Gombe State, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on governance efficiency, transparency, and accountability, and implementation challenges. The study employed a descriptive survey design, and data were collected from 200 respondents across selected public institutions using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, and multiple regression techniques. The study findings showed that artificial intelligence is moderately integrated into public sector operations, with respondents indicating that AI contributes positively to decision-making processes, governance efficiency, and transparency. The regression results also showed that artificial intelligence adoption and governance efficiency have statistically significant positive effects on public sector decision-making, while implementation challenges, although present, do not exert a significant influence. The model further explains approximately 48.2% of the variation in decision-making outcomes, indicating a moderate level of explanatory power. The study concludes that artificial intelligence holds considerable potential for enhancing governance processes in Gombe State. The study also recommends increased government commitment to AI integration, staff training, and the development of policies that ensure ethical and transparent use of AI systems.