The World Bank Group has imposed a 30-month debarment on two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam.
This action follows investigations that uncovered fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices tied to the National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP) in Nigeria.
Fraudulent and Corrupt Practices Exposed
In a press release issued on Monday, the World Bank revealed that the companies and their CEO engaged in unethical practices during the 2018 procurement and contract processes under the NSSNP, a program aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social safety nets by providing financial assistance to vulnerable households.
According to the statement, the parties:
- Misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bid documents.
- Gained unauthorized access to confidential tender information from public officials.
- Submitted falsified documents, including fake manufacturer authorization letters.
- Falsely claimed prior experience to meet eligibility requirements.
- Offered inducements to public officials involved in the project.
These actions violated the World Bank’s Anticorruption Framework and undermined the principles of transparency and accountability in its funded projects.
Terms of Sanction
The 30-month debarment prevents Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam from participating in any World Bank Group-financed projects or operations. The sanctions also extend to other major development banks under a 2010 mutual enforcement agreement for cross-debarment, ensuring the entities are barred from projects funded by multiple international financial institutions.
Compliance Conditions for Reinstatement
To regain eligibility after the debarment period, the implicated parties must meet strict integrity compliance requirements:
- Training and Policy Reforms:
- Mr. Didam must complete corporate ethics training.
- Both companies are required to strengthen their internal compliance policies and implement ethics training programs that adhere to the World Bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines.
- Ongoing Cooperation:
- The firms have agreed to continue cooperating with the World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency and adopt voluntary corrective measures.
The World Bank noted that the parties’ cooperation during the investigation and self-imposed restrictions on bidding for contracts contributed to a reduced debarment period.
Reinforcing Global Accountability
The World Bank emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for corruption in development projects, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding resources intended for poverty alleviation and economic development.
By enforcing these debarments and imposing compliance conditions, the World Bank aims to deter unethical practices and strengthen accountability in projects funded under its umbrella. The implicated parties must now demonstrate full compliance with the stipulated conditions to regain access to World Bank-financed opportunities after the debarment period.
