President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is investing in technology that will ensure transparency and accountability in government and enhancing public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people.
He said this at a meeting with Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Bill Gates, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.
According to Mr Tinubu, technology is a strong weapon against corruption and financial impropriety in public service.
He said, though resistance is often expected when efforts are made to strengthen systems and stop malfeasance.
“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.
Speaking further, he revealed how he deployed technology to enhance the revenue base of Lagos State as governor, by ensuring the collection and utilization of essential data and 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.
Also speaking, Gates informed President Tinubu of a one-identity technological platform that can integrate variegated data, while explaining the centrality of data harmonization to planning, security, and tax efficiency.
“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.
“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 also spoke about some high-yield seeds and a variety of crops with the potential for improved productivity and nutrition in all regions of the country.
He said countries like the United States and Brazil have been using these seeds and that they 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,” Mr. Gates added.
While responding to Mr. Gates’ submission, President Tinubu said: “We will look at this and work on it further. I am proud of Nigeria’s youths. They are very excited and creative with technology. They encourage us as we continue to press our reform efforts forward for their future prosperity. This is Nigeria’s time to become what it ought to be.”
