NAC ropes in ACC over N$13m airport tender

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) reported a contractor to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in December, amid allegations the company fraudulently secured a multimillion-dollar airport signage tender.

The revelation comes as Faraday's Electrical & Mechanical CC pursues a N$12.8 million claim against NAC in the Windhoek High Court, arguing the state-owned enterprise unlawfully terminated its contract and failed to honour payment obligations.

Faraday’s has strongly denied the allegations.

NAC chief executive officer Bisey /Uirab confirmed the matter to Namibian Sun this week.

"The NAC reported the Faraday’s matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission in December 2025," he said.

"The case is currently before the High Court, with NAC legal practitioners defending the case, and the next case management hearing taking place on 28 July 2026," he added.

Due to the pending litigation, /Uirab declined to comment further.

Fraud allegations

Court papers and correspondence seen by Namibian Sun show the dispute centres on a 2023 tender for the design, supply and installation of illuminated and frangible airfield signage at Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport.

In a letter dated 12 November 2025, /Uirab accused Faraday's of engaging in fraudulent conduct to secure the contract.

The letter said the allegations stemmed from evidence that emerged during an internal disciplinary process involving a NAC employee.

"Faraday engaged in fraudulent practices to obtain the bid contract. During the internal disciplinary hearing against a NAC staff member, Faraday admitted that it misrepresented signatures on material contractual documents, falsely presenting them as those of the nominated airport designer, Laumi de Swardt, when they were not," /Uirab wrote.

He stated that the alleged conduct amounted to a material misrepresentation intended to mislead NAC and secure a financial benefit, thereby meeting the definition of a fraudulent practice under the contract's general conditions.

The letter formed part of NAC's decision to terminate the contract.

Contractor disputes claims

Faraday's has strongly denied wrongdoing.

Through its legal representative, Francois Bangamwabo, the company argued that the termination was both procedurally and substantively flawed.

"No charges of fraud were ever brought against our client or its representatives, nor have the latter been found guilty of any such allegations," Bangamwabo said in correspondence to NAC.

The contractor further claims that NAC breached the contract by failing to release agreed advance payments despite the company providing a bank guarantee as required.

According to court documents, Faraday's invoiced NAC for a 50% advance payment of N$7.6 million in October 2024 and subsequently furnished an advance payment guarantee worth N$8.8 million.

The company alleges that despite fulfilling the contractual requirements, payment was never made.

Faraday's is now seeking approximately N$13 million from NAC, arguing that the airport operator has benefited from approved designs and work already completed without compensation.

Earlier procurement concerns

The dispute follows earlier concerns raised by /Uirab regarding attempts to cancel the tender during the procurement process.

In an August 2023 letter, the CEO questioned the timing of a recommendation by NAC's infrastructure development and asset care department to cancel the tender after bid evaluation results had already been submitted for consideration by the procurement committee.

At the time, /Uirab warned that the circumstances created the appearance of interference in an ongoing procurement process and could undermine the integrity of NAC's procurement system.

Despite those concerns, the tender proceeded and a contract was subsequently signed before relations between the parties deteriorated.