The World Bank Group has decided to ban two companies from Nigeria, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their leader, Mr. Norman Didam, for a period of 30 months. This action is due to their involvement in dishonest and corrupt activities related to a project in Nigeria that was meant to help poor and vulnerable families.
In a statement released on Monday, the World Bank explained that the National Social Safety Nets Project was designed to provide financial support to those in need. However, the integrity of this project was compromised because of several unethical actions that took place during the bidding and contracting process in 2018.
The World Bank’s statement highlighted that both companies and Mr. Didam were found to have misrepresented their operations and created a conflict of interest in their bids. They also obtained confidential information about the bidding process from government officials, which is considered dishonest and collusive behavior according to the World Bank’s rules against corruption.
Additionally, the World Bank reported that Mr. Didam and Viva Atlantic Limited provided false information about the company’s experience, submitted fake letters claiming they were authorized by manufacturers, and offered bribes to officials involved in the project. These actions were classified as corrupt practices and undermined the goal of the social safety net program, which was intended to help Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
The statement explained that the ban prevents Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam from participating in any World Bank-funded projects during the 30-month period. As part of the settlement, they acknowledged their wrongdoing and agreed to follow specific conditions, which include improving their internal policies on integrity and ethics.
Mr. Didam is required to complete training on ethics, while the companies must enhance their compliance policies and provide ethics training to their employees in accordance with the World Bank’s guidelines.
The World Bank noted that the length of the ban was reduced because the companies and Mr. Didam cooperated with the investigation, took steps to correct their actions, voluntarily refrained from bidding on contracts, and a significant amount of time has passed since the violations occurred.
Furthermore, the statement mentioned that this ban could also be recognized by other international development banks, which have a mutual agreement to enforce such decisions.
The World Bank emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in development projects, stating that these sanctions reflect its strict stance against corruption. To regain the ability to participate in future projects funded by the World Bank, the involved parties must meet the conditions set during the ban period.
