FG Revokes Visa, Residence, Work Permits Of Seplat Energy CEO In Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has revoked the Work Permit, Visa and Residence Permit of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy Plc, Roger Brown.

The British businessman was accused of racism, favouring foreign workers and showing discrimination against Nigerian employees.

Naija News understands that Brown was punished for the alleged deed after several allegations were levelled against him by employees of the company.

Brown, who was also accused of possession of a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) not based on a valid Expatriate Quota, reportedly refused to honour invitations by a panel set up by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior in Abuja.

The revocation was confirmed in a letter dated March 3, 2023, that was addressed to the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc by the Minister of Internal Affairs.

The letter obtained at the Federal High Court Lagos, where some concerned stakeholders instituted a legal proceeding against Seplat in this respect, was entitled, “Withdrawal of Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit of Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy Plc.”

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

“Consequently, the Ministry has withdrawn the Work Permit CERPAC, Visa, Residence Permit and all relevant documents that authorised Roger Thomson Brown’s entry or stayed in Nigeria,” the letter stated.

Naija News learnt that Brown joined Seplat in 2013 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was made the company’s CEO in November 2019, but effectively assumed the office in 2020.

The outcome of the court case was still being awaited at the time of filing this report.