ABUJA — The World Bank Group has announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, as well as their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam. This decision comes after findings of fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices tied to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the World Bank detailed how the integrity of the project—designed to provide financial aid to vulnerable households—was compromised due to unethical activities during the procurement and contract process in 2018.
Fraudulent Practices and Misconduct
According to the World Bank, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and their CEO misrepresented conflicts of interest in their bids and illicitly accessed confidential tender information with the collusion of public officials. These actions, the bank noted, violated its Anti-Corruption Framework and were classified as fraudulent and collusive practices.
Further, Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam allegedly falsified experience records, submitted forged manufacturer authorization letters, and offered inducements to project officials to influence the process. Such acts, the World Bank emphasized, undermined the credibility of the National Social Safety Nets Project and betrayed its mission to uplift Nigeria’s poorest communities.
Settlement Agreements and Sanctions
As part of the sanctions, the companies and Didam are prohibited from participating in World Bank-financed operations for the next 30 months. The sanctions are eligible for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions.
In their settlement agreements, the implicated parties acknowledged their misconduct and agreed to implement corrective measures. The conditions include:
- Ethics Training: Didam must complete individual ethics training programs.
- Enhanced Compliance: The companies are required to upgrade their internal compliance policies and roll out corporate ethics training in line with the World Bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines.
The World Bank acknowledged the cooperation of the parties during investigations, citing this as a factor for granting reduced debarment periods. The entities voluntarily refrained from bidding for contracts and initiated corrective actions prior to the debarment decision.
Commitment to Transparency
The World Bank underscored its unwavering commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in development projects. It stressed that these sanctions reaffirm its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and unethical practices.
“The implicated parties must fully meet the stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for participation in future World Bank-funded initiatives,” the statement read.
This development serves as a stern reminder of the World Bank’s resolve to uphold the principles of integrity, ensuring that developmental funds reach their intended beneficiaries.
