Bill Gates, former chief executive officer (CEO) of Microsoft, says he is working with the federal government (FG) on an identity technology platform for easy tax collection.
Gates spoke during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential aide, Gates said the technology would help with payment efficiency and also make tax collection easier.
“We are working with Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitisation,” Gates said.
“Before you came into office, there were a few things attempted in identity management. But they have been very scattered. There have been multiple identification systems.
“Now, there is a plan to take that technology called MOSIP and use it for this identification platform so that people can get digital benefits. We are providing support for that, and we can provide more support.
“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.
“That benefit will take a few years. However, there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes.”
Also the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the businessman said Nigeria has the capacity to manage “this system and related-technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths”.
In his remarks, Tinubu said his administration will look into the technology proposed and work on it further.
