President Bola Tinubu has met with Microsoft Founder and philanthropist, Bill Gates, and said his government is investing in technology to ensure transparency and accountability in government.
During the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, President Tinubu emphasized the transformative power of technology in combating fraud, corruption, and irregularities, as reported by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale. He underscored the importance of embracing technological advancements despite initial resistance, stating that overcoming corruption and fraudulent activities yields significant benefits for the nation. Tinubu recounted his experience as governor of Lagos State, where he leveraged technology to significantly increase the state’s revenue base from N600 million to over N8 billion. He stressed the necessity of investing in technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in governance and revenue generation.
Tinubu also discussed plans for digitization with Bill Gates, who highlighted the potential of a unified technological platform for identity management. Gates emphasized the role of data harmonization in improving planning, security, and tax efficiency. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to manage such systems, citing the country’s pool of talented youth. Gates also advocated for the adoption of high-yield seeds to boost agricultural productivity and nutrition, noting their success in countries like the United States and Brazil.
In response, President Tinubu expressed commitment to exploring these opportunities further, praising Nigeria’s youth for their enthusiasm and creativity in embracing technology. He affirmed his dedication to ongoing reform efforts aimed at securing a prosperous future for the nation. Tinubu acknowledged the importance of supporting initiatives that promote agricultural development and technological innovation, signaling Nigeria’s readiness to fulfill its potential on the global stage.