A recent report by the World Bank has exposed significant corruption within Nigeria’s water sector, revealing that $32 million meant for improving water infrastructure has gone unaccounted for.
The findings were disclosed in the World Bank’s Fiscal Year 2024 Sanctions System Annual Report, which highlighted the embezzlement of funds earmarked for crucial water projects in Nigeria. The investigation was conducted by the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT), a division of the World Bank responsible for probing fraud and corruption in projects financed by the organisation.
According to the report, “INT identified risks related to a project in Nigeria’s water sector, uncovering $32 million in unaccounted funds. As a result, the project team requested the Central Bank of Nigeria to reimburse $22 million and shifted the remainder of the project to direct payments.”
The report noted that the local project account still held about $6 million, slightly more than what was needed for the remaining project expenses.
Additionally, the Chief Suspension and Debarment Officer (SDO) found evidence of corrupt practices involving a Nigerian consultant under a social safety net project. The SDO determined that the individual made payments to an intermediary, which were intended to be passed on to a public official to improperly influence decisions related to the contract.
The SDO has imposed a conditional debarment on the respondent, barring them from participating in World Bank-funded projects for a minimum of two years and one month.
This revelation raises concerns about financial oversight and accountability in Nigeria’s water infrastructure projects, highlighting the need for stricter anti-corruption measures.