Microsoft working on one-identity technology to integrate variegated data in Nigeria - Gates

MICROSOFT Founder and Philanthropist, Bill Gates, on Sunday, said his company is working on one-identity technological platform that can integrate variegated data, in Nigeria

Gates who stated this at an interactive session with President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, explained the need for such centrality of data harmonization to aid planning, security, and tax efficiency.

“We are working with Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitization.

“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.

He declared however, that “there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes,”

Gates said Nigeria has the capacity to manage the system and related-technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths.

“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations. So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.

The businessman also spoke about some highyield seeds and a variety of crops with the potential for improved productivity and nutrition in all regions of the country.