By John Ikani
In a move to address allegations of racism and discrimination against Nigerian workers, the Ministry of Interior in Abuja has revoked the work permit, visa, and residence permit of Roger Brown, the CEO of Seplat Energy Plc.
Mr. Brown was also charged with possessing a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) that was not based on a legitimate expatriate quota.
In a letter to the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, the Ministry accused Mr. Brown of ignoring invitations from a panel set up to investigate the allegations against him.
The letter, titled “Withdrawal of Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit of Mr. Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy Plc,” accused Brown of favouring foreign workers over Nigerian employees and discriminating against the latter.
According to the notice, “the ministry received a petition from the solicitor to the concerned workers and stakeholders of Seplat Energy PLC, which included allegations of racism and favouritism towards foreign workers, and several witnesses testified in support of the allegations.
“Despite being in Abuja at the time, Mr. Brown declined to attend two invitations from the ministry’s panel, citing unavailability, although he was reportedly in Abuja for other purposes at the time.”
The ministry also noted that “Mr. Brown’s possession of a CERPAC violated Nigeria’s immigration laws, as it was not based on a validly issued Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior.
“As a result, the ministry has withdrawn all relevant documents that authorized Mr. Brown’s entry or stay in Nigeria.”
Mr. Brown, who is British, joined Seplat in 2013 as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and he was appointed CEO in November 2019, but he only assumed the position in 2020.
