World Bank Slams Ban On Two Nigerian Firms Over Fraud Allegations

This sanction bars the firms and Didam from participating in any projects or operations financed by the World Bank Group during the debarment period.

According to a statement from the Washington-based organization, the decision followed investigations into fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices tied to the National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP) in Nigeria. The project aims to enhance social safety net systems by providing financial assistance to vulnerable households.

The investigation revealed violations of the World Bank’s Anti-Corruption Framework during the 2018 procurement and contract processes involving the companies and Didam. Findings include misrepresentation of a conflict of interest in bidding documents and improper access to confidential tender information through public officials, constituting fraudulent and collusive behavior.

Additionally, Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam were found to have falsified the company’s experience records, submitted counterfeit manufacturer authorization letters, and offered incentives to public officials connected to the project, further breaching anti-corruption principles.

The World Bank’s statement reads:
“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 alleged fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.

“According to the facts of the case and the general principles of the World Bank’s Anticorruption Framework, in connection with a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract, 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.”