Emmanuel Ochayi
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to leveraging technology to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability in government, accelerate public-sector performance, and enhance service delivery to Nigerians.
Speaking during a meeting with Microsoft Founder Bill Gates at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Tinubu emphasized that technology is a potent weapon against corruption and financial impropriety in public service.
“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.
President Tinubu shared his experience of using technology to enhance the revenue base of Lagos State during his tenure as governor. He ensured the collection and utilization 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,” he said.
Bill Gates informed the President about a one-identity technological platform that can integrate variegated data, highlighting the importance of data harmonization for planning, security, and tax efficiency. He also expressed support for Nigeria’s efforts to digitize its identity management system, citing the potential applications of the MOSIP ID in government payment programs, payment efficiency, and financial inclusion.
Mr. Gates acknowledged Nigeria’s talent pool, saying, “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.”
The meeting also touched on high-yield seeds and crops with the potential for improved productivity and nutrition in all regions of the country.
President Tinubu expressed pride in Nigeria’s youths, saying, “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.”
