The World Bank Group has announced a 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam. The decision follows findings of fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices related to Nigeria’s National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP).
Details of the Violations
According to a statement released by the World Bank on Monday, the companies and their CEO engaged in multiple breaches of the institution’s Anticorruption Framework during the 2018 procurement and contract processes for the NSSNP.
Key violations include:
- Misrepresentation of Conflict of Interest: The companies falsely declared no conflicts of interest in their bid submissions.
- Accessing Confidential Tender Information: Public officials provided them with confidential procurement data, constituting collusive practices.
- Falsified Documentation: Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam fabricated experience records and forged manufacturer authorization letters.
- Bribery: They offered inducements to public officials involved in the project, qualifying as corrupt practices.
These actions contravened the World Bank’s principles designed to ensure transparency and integrity in development projects.
Purpose of the NSSNP
The National Social Safety Nets Project was established to strengthen Nigeria’s social safety net systems by providing targeted financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households. However, the fraudulent activities uncovered undermined the initiative’s objectives.
Consequences and Sanctions
The debarment prohibits Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam from participating in any World Bank Group-financed projects or operations for 30 months.
As part of the settlement, all parties admitted to the allegations and agreed to adhere to stringent integrity compliance conditions as a prerequisite for lifting the debarment.
World Bank Statement
The World Bank emphasized the severity of the offenses:
“Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bid submissions, accessed confidential tender information, and engaged in fraudulent and corrupt practices. These actions undermine trust in development projects aimed at assisting vulnerable populations.”
This case serves as a reminder of the World Bank’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and its commitment to promoting accountability in global development projects.