The World Bank Group has imposed a 30-month debarment on two Nigerian firms, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, as well as their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Norman Didam.This action follows findings of fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt activities linked to Nigeria’s National Social Safety Nets Project.
Corruption Uncovered in Social Safety Nets Project
According to the World Bank Group, the project—designed to assist Nigeria’s most vulnerable households—was compromised during the 2018 procurement and contracting phases. The organization revealed that the companies and their CEO misrepresented conflicts of interest and gained access to confidential tender information.
The statement declared, “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.”
Fraudulent Practices and Collusion Detailed
The World Bank Group disclosed that Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam falsified company experience records, submitted fake manufacturer’s authorisation letters, and bribed project officials. These actions, classified as fraudulent and corrupt under the World Bank Group’s Anti-Corruption Framework, undermined the project’s goal to benefit Nigeria’s poorest communities.
The statement further noted, “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.”
Debarment and Conditions for Reinstatement
As a result of the violations, the two companies and Mr. Didam are barred from participating in World Bank Group-financed projects for the next 30 months. Their eligibility for future contracts depends on fulfilling stipulated conditions during this period.
These conditions include ethics training for Mr. Didam and corporate ethics programs for the firms, in line with the World Bank Group’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines. Reduced debarment periods were granted due to their cooperation during investigations, voluntary corrective measures, and self-imposed bidding restraints.
Cross-Debarment Across Multilateral Development Banks
The debarments extend beyond the World Bank Group, qualifying for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions.
The statement added, “The companies also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group Integrity Vice Presidency. The settlement agreements feature reduced debarment periods due to the companies’ and Mr. Didam’s cooperation with the Bank Group’s investigation, voluntary corrective actions, voluntary restraint from participating in Bank Group tenders, and the passage of time.”
Commitment to Accountability
The World Bank Group reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability in development projects. It emphasized that these sanctions demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.
The implicated parties must meet all compliance requirements to regain eligibility for future participation in World Bank Group-funded projects.
