President Bola Tinubu has announced that his administration is focusing on adopting technology designed to enhance transparency and accountability within the government.
He emphasized that this initiative would also boost public-sector efficiency and improve service delivery to the citizens of Nigeria.
President Tinubu shared these insights during a discussion with Microsoft founder and philanthropist, Bill Gates, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.
The president described technology as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption and financial misconduct in public service.
He reiterated his commitment to implementing dependable technology solutions that would support a national consumer credit system among other vital new government measures for Nigerians.
He also noted that resistance is typically expected when steps are taken to enhance systems and prevent wrongdoing.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Recounting how he deployed technology to enhance the revenue base of Lagos State as governor, Tinubu said he ensured the collection and utilisation of essential data, creating an efficient tax system for the state.
“When I was governor of Lagos State, I faced challenges. I started with N600 million and ended up with over N8 billion. And right now, they are targeting a trillion Naira with the use of technology in the state.
“There is no other shortcut. We must invest in technology. We must focus, be diligent, and work hard,” the president said.
In his remarks, Gates presented to the President a single-identity technology platform capable of integrating diverse data sets. He explained how central data harmonization is to planning, security, and tax efficiency.
“We are working with Mr Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitisation.
“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,” he said.
According to him, MOSIP ID 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,” he said.
Gates believes that Nigeria can manage this system and related technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths.
“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.
The businessman discussed various high-yield seeds and crop varieties that could enhance productivity and nutrition across different regions of the country.
He mentioned that countries such as the United States and Brazil have already been utilizing these seeds, which have been tested and certified as safe.
“There is no safety issue with these seeds. Supporting the Minister of Agriculture’s effort in this regard is something that we feel is important and worth supporting,” Gates added.