Tinubu tells Bill Gates that Nigeria needs to invest in technology to combat corruption

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu said that his administration is making investments in technology designed to combat corruption by guaranteeing accountability and openness in the government.

Technology, according to Tinubu, is a powerful tool against financial impropriety and corruption in public service. Consequently, tech investment would improve public sector performance and service delivery in Nigeria.

“Technology fights against irregularity, corruption, and fraud. On the fringes of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, Tinubu addressed Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates, saying, “We have been working hard on improving technology.”

In a statement headed “President Tinubu to Bill Gates: technology is the enemy of corruption; we are investing in technology to ensure transparency and accelerate performance,” Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s spokeswoman, disclosed the specifics of the discussions on Sunday.

The President stated that he would use technology to promote transparency in a number of areas, including the recently introduced national consumer credit system and other important government initiatives.

He added that Nigeria stands to gain greatly from a system devoid of corruption, but he admitted that efforts to fortify procedures and prevent wrongdoing would encounter resistance.

“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 recounted his days as Governor of Lagos and how he deployed technology to enhance the revenue base of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

He emphasised collecting and utilising essential data to create an efficient tax system, saying, “When I was governor of Lagos State, I faced challenges. I started with N600m and ended up with over N8bn. 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 added.

In his remarks, Gates informed the President of a one-identity technological platform that can integrate variegated data while explaining the centrality of data harmonisation 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, a few things were 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,” Gates explained.

With MOSIP ID, the Microsoft founder said there is a potential application in all government payment programmes.

He added that the technology would help with payment efficiency and bank accounts and, when widely used, make 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 philanthropist clarified.

He attested to Nigeria’s capacity to 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,” Gates affirmed.

The businessman also spoke about some high-yield seeds and various crops with the potential for improved productivity and nutrition in all regions of the country.

He noted that countries such as the United States and Brazil have been using these seeds and that they have been tested and certified as safe.

According to him, “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.”

President Tinubu responded, “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.”