“The nation will reap the benefit” — Tinubu on meeting Bill Gates

President Bola Tinubu engaged in discussions with Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates during a meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The focus of their conversation revolved around the significance of technology in the modern era.

Tinubu highlighted his administration’s commitment to investing in technology aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and enhanced public sector performance and service delivery in Nigeria. He emphasized the role of technology as a potent tool in combating corruption and financial malpractice within government institutions.

Expressing his dedication to implementing reliable technology to support various critical government interventions, including a national consumer credit system, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of resistance when striving to strengthen systems and prevent malfeasance.

“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. 

Drawing from his experience as the former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu underscored the transformative impact of technology on revenue generation, citing the substantial growth of Lagos State’s revenue base during his tenure through efficient tax collection systems.

In response, Bill Gates shared insights into a technological platform focused on identity management and data integration. He highlighted the importance of data harmonization in driving effective planning, security measures, and tax efficiency.

Gates also mentioned ongoing collaborations with Nigerian officials, particularly Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, to advance digitization efforts, particularly in identity management.