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W’Bank Blacklists Two Nigerian Firms For Fraud
Two local companies have been blacklisted by the World Bank for fraud and corruption.
Consequently, the two contracting firms have been captured in its 2021 listing of ineligible firms and individuals barred from getting involved or benefiting from any of its contracts, or those of its affiliate institutions.
The affected companies are Asbeco Nigeria Limited of No. 10, Effanga Mkpa Street, State Housing Estate, Calabar, Cross River State; and Maxicare Company Nigeria Limited of Millennium Builders Plaza, Suite 204, Block C, Plot 251, Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja.
The two companies are among 43 individuals and corporate contracting firms and consultancies either indicted directly by the World Bank or indirectly by its affiliate financial institutions for various infractions bordering mainly on fraud and contract graft.
Going forward, all the affected individuals and companies are to remain ineligible for any contract award by the bank and its affiliates between 2021 and 2026.
The bank said in an updated publication that the companies were blacklisted after its Group Sanctions Board indicted them of various “fraudulent and collusive practices” considered gross infractions to established regulations and breaches of its contract and consultancy procedures.
The blacklisting would render Asbeco ineligible to be awarded any World Bank-financed contracts or consultancy services by any of the affiliated multilateral development banks (MDBs) between May 25, 2021, and May 24, 2026, and Maxicare, between May 19, 2021, and February 22, 2024.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Government has said that about 60,000 people in the state would benefit from the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme expected to commence soon in the state.
The programme, designed by the Federal Government and the World Bank, was put together to help cushion the harsh impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the economy.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this shortly after receiving an assessment and advisory team led by a director in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Martina Nwodu.
Okoye said, “You may all be aware that during the pandemic, 8 to 10million people have been put into abject poverty. There has been increasing unemployment.”
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
