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Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft, revealed during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Saudi Arabia that he is collaborating with the federal government (FG) on a digital identity technology platform to facilitate tax collection.
According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential aide, Gates emphasized that this technology would enhance payment efficiency and simplify tax collection processes.
“We are collaborating with Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitization,” Gates stated. “Previously, there were scattered attempts at identity management, with multiple identification systems in place. Now, there is a plan to leverage the MOSIP technology for this identification platform, enabling people to access digital benefits.”
Gates further explained the potential applications of MOSIP ID across various government payment programs, foreseeing improved payment efficiency, increased financial inclusion, and enhanced tax collection processes over time.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s capacity to manage such technological systems, Gates highlighted the nation’s abundance of talented youth.
In response, Tinubu expressed his administration’s willingness to explore the proposed technology further, recognizing technology as a potent tool against corruption and financial malpractice in public service.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to deploying reliable technology to support a national consumer credit system and various critical interventions for all Nigerians, despite the expected resistance when enhancing systems to deter malfeasance.
“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity,” Tinubu asserted, drawing from his experience of leveraging technology to bolster Lagos state’s revenue base during his tenure as governor. He stressed the importance of investing in technology, especially as the state aims to achieve a trillion naira revenue target.
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