PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu discussed his government’s commitment to leveraging technology for transparency and accountability during a meeting with Bill Gates at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity. We have been working hard on improving technology.
“There is always the initial resistance. Corruption, self-interest, and fraudulent activity will always be an enemy, but when you bend that curve, you will receive the benefit. The nation will receive the benefit,” the President said.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of technology in combating fraud and corruption, citing his experience in utilizing technology to enhance revenue collection during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
He highlighted the need to invest in technology to drive progress and efficiency in government operations.
“We are working with Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitization. Before you came into office, there were a few things attempted in identity management. But they have been very scattered. There have been multiple identification systems.
“Now, there is a plan to take that technology called MOSIP and use it for this identification platform so that people can get digital benefits. We are providing support for that, and we can provide more support.
“With MOSIP ID, there is potential application in all government payment programmes. It helps with payment efficiency and bank accounts, and eventually, when everyone is using that, it makes tax collection easier. That benefit will take a few years. However, there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes,” the former Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft said.
Gates shared insights on a unified technological platform for data integration, emphasizing the significance of data harmonization for effective planning and governance.
“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations. So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.
He commended Nigeria’s potential in managing technological systems, particularly with its talented youth population.
Gates also discussed the potential benefits of high-yield seeds for improved agricultural productivity and nutrition in the country.
“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations. So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.
Tinubu expressed appreciation for the suggestions made by Gates and reiterated his commitment to exploring and implementing these technological advancements for the benefit of Nigeria’s youth and future prosperity.
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