December 19, 2017/AfDB
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) on December 19, 2017, announced the conclusion of a settlement agreement with GERMS Consulting.
An investigation undertaken by the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption of the AfDB established that GERMS Consulting had engaged in fraudulent practice in the execution of a contract supervising the works on the construction of a bridge over the river Niger in Farié. The contract is a component of the AfDB-financed Trans-Sahara Highway Project.
GERMS Consulting misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the replacement of key personnel. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, in consideration of its cooperation with the investigation, GERMS Consulting will be excluded from benefitting from AfDB financing for a minimum period of twelve months and one day.
GERMS Consulting will be released from debarment subject to the company’s senior management undergoing commercial ethics training and adequately compensating key personnel replaced under false pretext.