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 Didam, over fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices tied to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.
The project, aimed at providing financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households, was compromised due to unethical practices during the procurement and contract processes in 2018.
Details of Violations
The World Bank stated that the firms and their CEO:
Misrepresented conflicts of interest in bid submissions.
Gained access to confidential tender information from public officials, constituting fraudulent and collusive practices.
Falsified experience records and manufacturer’s authorization letters.
Offered inducements to project officials, classified as corrupt practices under the bank’s Anti-Corruption Framework.
“These actions undermined the integrity of a critical initiative designed to benefit Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations,” the statement noted.
Sanctions and Conditions
The debarment prohibits the companies and Mr. Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects during the specified period. Additionally, the following conditions were outlined:
Mr. Didam must complete individual ethics training.
The companies must enhance internal integrity compliance policies and implement corporate ethics training programs in line with the bank’s guidelines.
Reduced debarment periods were granted due to the parties’ cooperation with the investigation, voluntary corrective measures, and the elapsed time since the infractions.
Broader Implications
The debarment is eligible for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the 2010 Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions.
The World Bank emphasized its zero-tolerance approach to corruption, reiterating its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects. It stated that the implicated parties must meet all stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for participation in future bank-funded initiatives.
This action highlights the World Bank’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of development programs and protect the interests of vulnerable populations globally.
