World Bank uncovers corruption in Nigeria’s Water Sector: $32Million unaccounted for

The report stated that the Sanctions Boardโ€™s findings relied on a diverse array of documentary and testimonial evidence submitted by the parties, as well as a hearing in each case.

The World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) has made a shocking discovery, uncovering $32 million in missing funds from Nigeria’s water project.

The global bank which made the revelation in its recently released Fiscal Year 2024 Sanctions System Annual Report, stated that the unaccounted funds were meant to improve water infrastructure in Nigeria but were embezzled.

According to the bank, the โ€œINT followed up on risks identified regarding a project in Nigeriaโ€™s water sector and flagged to operations the risk, which was associated with $32 million of unaccounted funds.โ€

The report stated that INT met with the task team leader, operations manager, programme leader, and financial management specialist to identify steps to reduce the risk of embezzlement.

It noted, โ€œAs a result, the project team asked the Central Bank to reimburse the full amount ($22 million) and limited the remainder of the project to direct payments.

โ€œThe local account remained with about $6 million in undisbursed balance, a little more than the anticipated PIU expenses for the remainder of the project.โ€

That bank stated, โ€œThe Chief Suspension and Debarment Officer (SDO) determined that the respondent, a Nigerian individual, engaged in a corrupt practice in connection with a consultancy contract under a social safety net project in Nigeria.

โ€œSpecifically, the SDO found that the respondent made two payments to an intermediary that were to be further transferred to a public official in order to improperly influence the officialโ€™s actions in connection with the contract.

โ€œThe SDO imposed a debarment with conditional release for a minimum period of two years and one month.โ€

It stated that the Chief Suspension and Debarment Officer took into account, as mitigating factors, the respondentโ€™s cooperation with INT, noting that he admitted making two corrupt payments and may have felt coerced by the soliciting public official.

โ€œDuring FY24, the Sanctions Board issued two decisions (Sanctions Board Decisions No. 142 and No. 143).

โ€œThe cases involved allegations of fraud, corruption, and collusion relating to contracts financed by IDA, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the GEF Special Climate Change Fund.

โ€œThe projects at issue sought to improve access to water management and public transport in Viet Nam and to address vulnerability to soil erosion in Nigeria,โ€ the global bank added.

The report stated that the Sanctions Boardโ€™s findings relied on a diverse array of documentary and testimonial evidence submitted by the parties, as well as a hearing in each case.

 

 

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