The World Bank has sanctioned 18 Nigerian firms and certain individuals for corrupt practices, misrepresentation and deceitful acts. This was disclosed in a newly released report titled “World Bank Group Sanctions System FY21”.
The report highlights that Mr. Elie Abou Ghazaleh and Mr. Fadi Abou Ghazaleh, of Abou Ghazaleh Contracting Nigeria Limited, were suspended for six months for tricky practices; Swansea Tools Resources was suspended for false practices for a period of two years and 10 months. Treated under Sanctions Case No 651, it was disclosed that the firm distorted its previous involvement with its bid for road maintenance contract.
Another Nigerian firm, Juckon Construction and Allied Services Nigeria Limited, was suspended for corrupt practices for three years. Alluded to under Sanctions Case No 649, it was revealed that the firm made inappropriate payment to a public official in connection with the award and execution of two waste management and refuse collection contracts under a state employment and expenditure project in Nigeria.
Ms. Okafor Glory, was suspended for fraudulent practices for four years, while the firm involved, Unique Concept Enterprises, was suspended for five years for the same reason. Ms. Glory and the firm, Unique Concept Enterprises, reportedly engaged in fraudulent practices by submitting false documents in connection with two refuse collection and waste disposal contracts under a state employment and expenditure project in Nigeria.
Another Nigerian firm, Asbeco Nigeria Limited, was suspended for five years for corrupt practices. Abesco engaged in corrupt practice in connection with an erosion control contract under an erosion and watershed management project in Nigeria.
Based on the World Bank’s Sanctions Board Decision, A.G. Vision Construction Nigeria Limited, was suspended for deceitful and collusive practices and for four years and six months.
Sangtech International Services Limited, Sangar and Associates (Nigeria) Limited, Mashad Integrated And Investment Co Limited, and Medniza Global Merchants Limited were suspended by the AfDB for two years under cross-debarment recognized by the World Bank.
ALG Global Concept Nigeria Limited, Abuharaira Labaran Gero, Qualitrends Global Solutions Nigeria Limited, and Maxicare Company Nigeria Limited were also suspended by the AfDB for three years under cross-debarment recognized by the World Bank.
The World Bank’s David Malpass, in his opening message in the report, stated that the bank had allowed more than $157bn to help developing nations, as he emphasized the need for integrity and transparency standards in public finance.
He explained further that the consequences of corruption could be devastating as corruption diverts scarce development dollars from the people who need them most and corrodes the systems and services that are integral for reducing extreme poverty.
