President Bola Tinubu says his administration is investing in technology to ensure transparency and government accountability as he holds a meeting with Microsoft founder Bill Gates on how to ensure easy collection of taxes in Nigeria.
Mr Tinubu said this would also accelerate public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people. He stated this during a meeting with Mr Gates on Sunday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The president said technology was a potent weapon against corruption and financial impropriety in public service. He expressed his unwavering commitment to delivering reliable technology to support a national consumer credit system and other new critical government interventions for Nigerians.
Mr Tinubu said resistance was often expected when efforts were made to strengthen systems and forestall 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,” Mr Tinubu said.
Recounting how he deployed technology to enhance Lagos’ revenue base as governor, Mr Tinubu said he ensured the collection and use 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,” the president said.
In his remarks, Mr Gates informed the president of a one-identity technological platform that could integrate variegated data while explaining the centrality of data harmonisation to planning, security and tax efficiency.
