By Emmanuel Nduka
The World Bank Group has imposed a 30-month debarment on two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their CEO, Norman Bwuruk Didam, for engaging in fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices related to the National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP) in Nigeria.
Heritage Times HT reports that the NSSNP, which aims to strengthen Nigeria’s social safety net by providing financial assistance to vulnerable households, was tainted by these violations.
An investigation by the World Bank revealed significant breaches of its Anti-corruption Framework during the 2018 procurement and contract processes involving the two companies and their CEO.
The World Bank’s findings show that Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Didam were involved in fraudulent practices, including misrepresenting a conflict of interest in their bids and unlawfully accessing confidential tender information from public officials.
Additionally, they submitted falsified documents, such as forged manufacturer’s authorization letters, and provided bribes to public officials involved in the project.
These actions violated the World Bank’s strict anti-corruption policies, prompting the debarment and the imposition of stringent compliance conditions for reinstatement. The companies and Didam have agreed to cooperate with the World Bank and undertake corrective actions, including corporate ethics training and enhanced integrity policies, to regain eligibility for World Bank-funded projects.
As part of the sanction, the companies and their CEO are now barred from participating in any World Bank-financed projects for the duration of the debarment. The sanction also includes provisions for cross-debarment, meaning other major international financial institutions may also exclude the parties from their projects.
The World Bank’s action reflects its commitment to combating corruption and protecting resources intended for poverty reduction and economic development.
The debarment will remain in effect unless the involved parties fully comply with the prescribed conditions.
