The World Bank Group has issued a 30-month ban to two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, alongside their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam.
The penalty stems from findings of fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt activities linked to their involvement in the National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP).
In a statement released on Monday, the Washington-based institution detailed the violations uncovered during its investigation into procurement and contracting procedures from 2018. These violations, it noted, breached the World Bank’s Anticorruption Framework, prompting the decision to impose sanctions.
The report revealed that the companies and their CEO misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bidding process and accessed confidential tender information from public officials. These actions were classified as fraudulent and collusive practices.
Furthermore, it was disclosed that Viva Atlantic Limited falsified experience records, submitted fake manufacturer’s authorization letters, and offered inducements to project officials. These acts, according to the World Bank, fell under corrupt practices and violated its principles of integrity and transparency.
“The World Bank Group today announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigeria-based companies—Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited—and their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam. The debarment is in connection with fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The sanction means the firms and their CEO are prohibited from participating in projects or operations financed by the World Bank during the debarment period. In addition, the sanctioned parties admitted to their wrongdoing as part of a settlement agreement. They have agreed to implement stringent compliance measures to ensure integrity, which is a condition for their eventual reinstatement.
