Two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam, have been debarred for 30 months by the World Bank Group over corrupt practices related to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.
The project, which aimed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households, became embroiled in controversy following an investigation into procurement irregularities. It was found that the companies and Mr. Didam were involved in fraudulent actions during the 2018 tender process, including concealing conflicts of interest and illegally obtaining confidential tender details from public officials.
In addition to the procurement violations, Mr. Didam and Viva Atlantic Limited were found to have submitted falsified documents, including fake manufacturer’s authorization letters. The companies also offered bribes to public officials overseeing the project, further exacerbating their breach of integrity.
As part of the debarment, the companies and Mr. Didam are barred from participating in any World Bank-financed projects for the duration of the sanction. However, due to their cooperation with the investigation, they have received a reduced debarment period. In their settlement agreements, they have acknowledged the violations and agreed to implement corrective actions to restore eligibility for future involvement in World Bank projects.
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The settlement terms require Mr. Didam to undergo ethics training, while the companies must enhance their internal compliance policies and introduce corporate ethics programs. They have also committed to continuous collaboration with the Bank Group’s Integrity Vice Presidency to reinforce their commitment to transparency and ethical conduct.
The debarment may be enforced by other multilateral development banks, as per the 2010 Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions.
