Nigerian Firms and CEO Sanctioned by World Bank for Fraudulent Practices in Key Social Project
The World Bank has imposed a 30-month debarment on two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their CEO, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam, for engaging in fraudulent and corrupt practices tied to Nigeria’s National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP).
A detailed investigation by the Washington-based financial institution uncovered significant breaches of its Anticorruption Framework during a 2018 procurement process. These violations included misrepresentation of conflicts of interest in bid submissions and unauthorized access to confidential tender information from public officials. Furthermore, Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam falsified experience records, forged authorization letters, and offered inducements to officials involved in the NSSNP—a project designed to aid vulnerable households in Nigeria.
Labeling these acts as fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt, the World Bank enforced a debarment that prohibits the firms and Mr. Didam from participating in any World Bank-funded projects for 30 months. In a settlement agreement, the implicated parties admitted their misconduct and committed to meeting strict compliance conditions, including ethics training for Mr. Didam and internal policy reforms for the companies.
To demonstrate accountability, the companies agreed to cooperate with the World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency. Their voluntary corrective actions, including policy changes and compliance efforts, resulted in a reduced debarment period. However, the sanctions extend to other multilateral development banks, effectively barring the companies and their CEO from accessing funds from international financial institutions.
The World Bank reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and emphasized its dedication to ensuring that development funds reach the intended beneficiaries without compromise.
