Nigeria Revokes Roger Brown’s Visa Over Racism Allegations

• Roger Brown, the CEO of Seplat Energy Plc has had his work permit and visa revoked by the Nigerian government as he faces allegations of racism.

• The allegations were reportedly brought to light by his Nigerian employees to which the Minister of Interior reacted.

• A letter was sent to the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy accusing Brown of favoring foreign employees over Nigerian employees in the company.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Brown, has had his Work Permit, Visa and Residence Permit revoked by the Nigerian government over allegations of racism and discrimination against Nigerian employees.

The Minister of Interior, Abuja, made the announcement in a letter to the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, accusing Brown of favouring foreign workers over Nigerian employees and being in possession of a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) not based on a valid Expatriate Quota.

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According to the letter, the Minister of Interior received a petition from the solicitor to the concerned workers and stakeholders of Seplat Energy PLC accusing Brown of various allegations, including racism and discriminating against Nigerian employees.

Several witnesses reportedly provided testimony to support the allegations, but Brown failed to attend two invitations from the Ministry’s panel that investigated the matter, claiming to be unavailable.

Investigation and records in the Ministry also revealed that Brown was in possession of a CERPAC that was not based on a validly issued Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior, resulting in the violation of relevant Immigration Laws and Regulations.

The Ministry determined that Brown’s continued stay in Nigeria was contrary to national interest and withdrew his Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa, Residence Permit and all relevant documents that authorized his entry or stay in Nigeria.

Brown, a British national, joined Seplat in 2013 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was made the company’s CEO in November 2019, effectively assuming the office in 2020. The federal government’s decision to revoke his permits and visa follows legal proceedings instituted against Seplat Energy Plc by concerned stakeholders at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The outcome of the court case is still being awaited, and Seplat Energy Plc is yet to comment on the matter. The development comes amid growing concerns over racism and discrimination against Nigerian workers by foreign executives in the country’s oil and gas sector.

The government has previously taken action against foreign firms accused of flouting immigration and labor laws in the country.