By Uche Usim
The World Bank Group has announced a 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, alongside their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam, following findings of fraudulent, collusive and corrupt practices tied to the National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP) in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Washington-based institution disclosed that the debarment was a consequence of serious violations of its Anti-corruption Framework during the 2018 procurement process and subsequent contract implementation under the NSSNP.
The NSSNP, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social safety net systems through targeted financial assistance to vulnerable households, was marred by unethical activities involving the implicated parties.
According to the World Bank, investigations revealed that Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bid documents and obtained confidential tender information from public officials, which constituted fraudulent and collusive practices.
Further infractions included the falsification of experience records, submission of forged manufacturer’s authorisation letters, and the provision of inducements to public officials involved in the project, all of which amounted to corrupt practices.
“According to the facts of the case and the general principles of the World Bank’s Anti-corruption Framework, in connection with a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in the companies’ Letter of Bids and received confidential tender information from public officials, which constituted fraudulent and collusive practices, respectively,” the statement noted.
The World Bank further stated, “Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam misrepresented Viva Atlantic Limited’s experience and submitted falsified manufacturer’s authorization letters, as well as offered and provided things of value to project public officials. These actions were fraudulent and corrupt practices, respectively.”
The 30-month debarment effectively excludes Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam from participating in projects financed by the World Bank Group. The sanctions also extend globally under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions, signed in 2010, which allows for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks.
This reciprocal enforcement mechanism ensures that the debarred entities remain ineligible for projects financed by other international financial institutions, further underscoring the far-reaching consequences of the sanctions.
As part of settlement agreements with the World Bank, the affected companies and their CEO acknowledged their culpability and agreed to stringent integrity compliance conditions. These conditions must be met before they can be released from debarment and regain eligibility for World Bank-funded opportunities.
The debarments highlight the World Bank’s zero-tolerance stance toward corruption and fraudulent practices in development initiatives. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding funds intended for poverty alleviation and economic growth.
“This decision underscores our resolve to maintain the highest standards of integrity in development projects. We remain committed to protecting resources meant to uplift vulnerable populations and foster sustainable development,” the World Bank emphasized.
For the duration of the debarment period, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam must demonstrate full compliance with the prescribed conditions to regain eligibility for future opportunities with the World Bank and other affiliated institutions.
This action serves as a stark reminder to all stakeholders of the importance of transparency and accountability in development projects worldwide.