Two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam, have been disbarred by the World Bank Group for 30 months.
The decision stems from their involvement in fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt activities related to the National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP) in Nigeria.
Headquartered in Abuja, Viva Atlantic Limited specializes in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consulting, while Technology House Limited operates as a wholesaler, retailer, and systems integrator for electronics and IT solutions. Both firms were engaged in procurement and contracting for the NSSNP, a World Bank-funded initiative designed to support vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
An investigation revealed that Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in the companies’ bid submissions and obtained confidential tender information from public officials, constituting fraudulent and collusive practices. The companies also falsified experience records, submitted fake manufacturer authorization letters, and offered valuable incentives to public officials.
“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,” stated the bank. “The debarment is in connection with fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.”
The sanctions prevent the companies and Mr. Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects during the debarment period. As part of a settlement agreement, they admitted their wrongdoing and agreed to meet specific integrity compliance conditions to regain eligibility.
The World Bank noted, “Mr. Didam must complete individual corporate ethics training, and the two companies must enhance their internal integrity compliance policies and implement corporate ethics training programs, aligned with the Bank Group Integrity Compliance Guidelines.”
Due to their cooperation with the investigation, voluntary corrective measures, and self-imposed restraint from future Bank Group tenders, the disbarment period was reduced.
