Enablers and barriers to implementing a digital logistics system: A qualitative evaluation of OpenLMIS for Nigeria’s vaccine supply chain
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Background
Logistics management information systems (LMIS) strengthen health commodity distribution and decision-making. Nigeria introduced OpenLMIS, an electronic LMIS, in August 2021 to track COVID-19 vaccines, and a routine immunization (RI) module was deployed nationwide in 2023. This evaluation examined enablers and barriers to effective implementation and sustained use.
Methods
A qualitative design combined desk reviews of LMIS documents, 42 key informant interviews, and 16 structured observational assessments with Cold Chain Officers. Data collection occurred in three states, Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, and Niger, and nine Local Government Areas (LGA; three per state), which were purposively selected to capture diverse operational contexts.
Results
OpenLMIS has been rolled out across all 835 Nigerian cold stores at zonal, state, and LGA levels. Adoption was driven by strong government leadership, particularly the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and consistent financial and technical support from partners including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and UNICEF. Persisting challenges include high staff turnover disrupting continuity; limited user training, often online-only and insufficient where connectivity is poor; unreliable power and internet hindering timely data entry and access; and inadequate, unsustained funding for data bundles, which shifts costs to users and undermines utilization and data quality.
Conclusion
OpenLMIS is advancing digitization and visibility of Nigeria’s immunization supply chain for informed decision making. To maximize its benefits, stakeholders should address individual-level disincentives (e.g., turnover, training gaps), invest in reliable power and connectivity, and ensure sustainable financing for data and system operations alongside continued improvement in functionality.
