World Bank sanctions Nigerian companies, CEO over corruption in social safety net project

The World Bank has handed a 30-month debarment to two Nigerian firms—Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited—and their CEO, Norman Didam, over fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices tied to Nigeria’s National Social Safety Nets Project (NASSP).

In a statement released on Monday, the Bank detailed how unethical practices undermined the project, which was designed to provide financial aid to Nigeria’s poorest households. The allegations stem from misconduct during a 2018 procurement and contract process.

The Bank revealed that Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and their CEO misrepresented conflicts of interest in bidding documents and illicitly accessed confidential tender information from public officials.

“These actions constituted fraudulent and collusive practices under the World Bank Group’s Anti-corruption Framework,” the statement read.

Further investigation found that Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam falsified records of the company’s experience, submitted fake manufacturer authorisation letters, and offered inducements to project officials—acts classified as corrupt practices.

“These violations strike at the heart of the integrity of development initiatives designed to support the most vulnerable populations,” the World Bank noted.

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The debarment bars the two companies and Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects for 30 months. The sanctions also qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the 2010 Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions.

To regain eligibility for future projects, the parties must meet specific conditions, including implementing enhanced compliance policies and ethics training programs. Didam is also required to complete individual ethics training.

The World Bank acknowledged the parties’ cooperation during the investigation and their voluntary corrective measures, which led to reduced debarment periods.

The NASSP was established to cushion Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens by providing targeted financial support. However, the discovery of these unethical practices has cast a shadow over its integrity.

By manipulating procurement processes and falsifying documents, the implicated parties not only violated the trust placed in them but also jeopardized the effectiveness of a program aimed at alleviating poverty.

The World Bank reiterated its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in its development initiatives.

“These sanctions send a strong message that corruption has no place in development projects,” the statement emphasized.

The Bank also stressed that during the debarment period, the sanctioned parties must demonstrate adherence to strict compliance measures to be reconsidered for future projects.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that persist in safeguarding public resources and development programs. For Nigeria, the sanctions highlight the urgent need for stronger oversight in implementing projects meant to uplift its most vulnerable citizens.

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