Nigeria’s govt revokes Seplat CEO, Roger Brown’s visa, residence, work permits

Nigeria’s government has revoked the Work Permit, Visa, and Residence Permit of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy PLC, Mr. Roger Brown, following allegations of racism, Confiance News learnt on Thursday.

Other allegations leveled against him by employees of the company include: nepotism against Nigerian employees.

The Federal Government equally accused Mr. Brown of being in possession of a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) not based on a valid Expatriate Quota. It was also alleged that Mr Brown failed to honour invitations by the Ministry’s panel, which investigated the matter.

The revocation was contained in a March 3, 2023 letter to the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc by the Honourable Minister of Internal Affairs, Rauf Aregbesola, reportedly identified by pressmen at the Federal High Court Lagos Wednesday, where some concerned stakeholders have instituted a legal proceeding against Seplat in this respect.

Part of the contents of the letter entitled, “Withdrawal of Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit of Mr. Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy PLC”, read:
“I write to inform you that the Ministry is in receipt of a petition from the Solicitor to the concerned workers and stakeholders of Seplat Energy PLC accusing Mr. Rogers Thomson Brown, the CEO of the companies of various allegations.

“These accusations include racism, favouring foreign workers and discriminating against Nigerian employees. Testimony was received from several witnesses, which supported the allegations. Mr. Roger T. Brown declined to attend despite two invitations, claiming to be unavailable even though we learnt he was in Abuja for other purposes at the time.

“Investigation and records in the Ministry also revealed that Mr. Roger Brown was in possession of CERPAC that was not based on validly issued Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior resulting to the violation of relevant Immigration Laws and Regulations. As a result of these, the Honourable Minister has determined that Mr. Brown’s continued stay in Nigeria is contrary to national interest.