President Tinubu has emphasized his government’s commitment to harnessing technology to enhance transparency, accountability, and the efficiency of public services in Nigeria.
Speaking about the role of Nigerian youth, he noted, “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.”
In a discussion with philanthropist Bill Gates at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, President Tinubu expressed his openness to further exploring technological innovations: “We will look at this and work on it further,” he said. He emphasized the crucial role of technology in combating corruption and inefficiency, stating, “Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity.”
President Tinubu also reiterated his unwavering dedication to implementing robust technological solutions that support critical new government initiatives, including a national consumer credit system. “There is always the initial resistance,” he acknowledged. “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.”
Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Lagos State, President Tinubu highlighted how technology played a key role in boosting the state’s finances: “When I was governor of Lagos State, 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 shared insights on the potential of a unified technological platform called MOSIP to streamline data integration, which could enhance planning, security, and tax efficiency. “We are working with Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitization,” Gates said. “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.”
Furthermore, Gates spoke about supporting Nigerian agriculture with high-yield seeds, noting, “Countries like the United States and Brazil have been using these seeds and they have been tested and certified as safe. Supporting the Minister of Agriculture’s effort in this regard is something that we feel is important and worth supporting.”