PulseNets has learned that the World Bank has sanctioned two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam, over allegations of fraudulent and corrupt activities tied to the National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP).
In a statement released on Monday, January 20, the Washington-based global financial institution reported that the companies violated its Anti-corruption Framework during the 2018 procurement process and subsequent contract procedures.
The World Bank’s statement disclosed, “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.”
Speaking to PulseNets, sources familiar with the case revealed that the firms were accused of misrepresenting conflicts of interest in their bids, enabling them to access confidential tender information for funds.
The World Bank statement further detailed, “According to the facts of the case and the general principles of the World Bank’s Anti-corruption 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.
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“Further, Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam misrepresented Viva Atlantic Limited’s experience and submitted falsified manufacturer’s authorization letters, as well as offered and provided things of value to project public officials. These actions were fraudulent and corrupt practices, respectively,” the statement noted.
