Nigeria’s Minister of Interior revoked work visa, permit and residence of Seplat Energy Plc’s CEO, Mr Roger Brown. The visa revocation is over allegations of racism and discrimination against Nigerian employees.
The Nigerian government also accused Brown of possessing a CERPAC not based on a valid Expatriate Quota. He has also failed to honour invitations by the Ministry’s panel investigating the matter.
“These accusations include racism, favouring foreign workers and discriminating against Nigerian employees. The allegations are based on testimony received from several witnesses. Mr. Roger T. Brown declined to attend two invitations, claiming to be unavailable even though we learnt he was in Abuja for other purposes at the time.
The accusations include racism, nepotism toward foreign workers and discrimination against local employees. Several witnesses gave testimony which supported the allegations.
Brown, a British citizen, joined Seplat in 2013 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and became the company’s CEO in November 2019.
The revocation of his permits, as contained in a letter titled “Withdrawal of Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit of Mr Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy Plc.” A court case has been instituted against Seplat in this regard.