The Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, Roger Thompson Brown, has had his work permit, visa, and residence permit revoked by the Nigerian Ministry of Interior.
The development follows allegations of racism and discrimination levelled against the embattled CEO by some Nigerian workers and stakeholders of the company.
More details: Nairametrics gathered that the CEO was informed about the government’s decision in a letter entitled “Withdrawal of Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit of Mr Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy Plc”.
The letter explained that testimonies from several witnesses supported the allegations against Mr Brown.
The letter further disclosed that investigations have revealed that Brown was in possession of a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) that was not based on a valid Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior.
Consequently, the Honourable Minister determined that Brown’s continued stay in Nigeria is contrary to the national interest. Part of the letter said:
- “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 company 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.
- “Consequently, the Ministry has withdrawn the Work Permit CERPAC, Visa, Residence Permit and all relevant documents that authorised Mr Roger Thomson Brown’s entry or stay in Nigeria.”
What you should know: Mr Brown declined to honour a request to appear before the Ministry’s panel investigating the matter.
- “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,” the letter disclosed.
In the meantime, Seplat Energy Plc is enmeshed in a court case instituted by concerned stakeholders over the matter. The outcome of the court case is still being awaited.
This is good. One down. Many more to go! We should not be treated like dogs in our country. The worst form of racism is that by blacks on blacks in the corporate world. The internet is replete with samples. We have read severally on NGX when the top management corner all the resources and living crumbs or pittance for the middle and junior staff. Another despicable annual report for 2022 had been presented. If you think this year would be better then that analyst must be smoking something. We are living witnesses to the activities in the commercial paper market. Corporates have adopted Maynard Keynes principle that there is nothing like long term because in the long term, we might all be dead. So ensure survival in the short term first.
@Okey, yours is the sort of XENOPHOBIA that deters foreign investment in Nigeria. The irony is that literally MILLIONS of Nigerians are resident and working in other people’s countries.
While I don’t know Mr. Brown from a can of beans, it’s doubtful that he would be in Nigeria for about a decade (starting as CFO) working with the likes of strong Nigerian entrepreneurs such Austin Avuru and ABC Ojiakor if he was a racist.
If racism and favoritism was the reason for removing Mr. Brown, why is your president still in Aso Rock. I thought we should start with him, after all, charity is supposed to start from home
Hello sir im Rachpal singh from India nowadays im working here in saudi Arabia as a truck driver im interesting to move Canada can i?
You can’t to Nigeria and behave like that.. especially when Nigerians won’t be spared that chance in your country of origin
Nice one. Serves him right. Racism in Nigeria. This man no fear I. He don see us finish
Well is good but how sure are we that employers will benefit better under local content considering our level of corruption. Come to think of it , if we at the top always do the right thing then there shouldn’t be a problem sending him off but as far we are more wicked to ourselves, I still prefer to stay under foreign supervision till we are ready .
I agree with you. In my opinion, most of our own leaders can be so corrupt and selfish, acting in total disregard for the people and yet these same leaders are the first to cry foul when a white person attempts to borrow a few leaves from their leadership styles. In any case, it’s also possible that this Brit, having spent about 10 years in the country, has seen so much corruption among Nigerians and her authorities that he has grown to despise Nigerians and authorities, hence his preference for foreign workers. Nevertheless, if this is the case, it doesn’t justify stereotyping all Nigerians especially on Nigerian soil.
I think he is.not complying to long standing corruption that’s why this false accusation, do you think the Head quarters were stupid enough to send a racist to replace a CEO of Saplet Nigerian PLC, This is why International organizations fear investing in Nigeria, because our government regulator act in favour of corrupted schemes and individuals.
You are the only one whose post make sense so far. I really feel for Nigeria on how gullible and shallow we are in reading headline and forming opinions without any deeper reflection or understanding of underlying issue. Clearly, there is a fight among stake holders of the company for control and this is a strategy by one of the parties to gain upper hand. We need better transparency to attract talents and investors.
Why was he not first of all issued a note requiring him to provide explanation for these allegations listed seriatim?
Is the visa withdrawal cause by the allegations or by his failure to attend to the invitations?
This case carries much suspicion especially in the face the ongoing litigation with shareholders.
Mr Roger Brown didn’t behave like he has any respect for nigeria authority; even on nigeria soil. He was given opportunities twice to clarify his position, rather he chose to mock us. Irrespective of his perception of nigeria, he should have honoured the invitations. Imagine the UK Home office invited you twice and you refuse to honour their invitation. Nigeria will not allow foreigners to disrepect us on our own soil. He should simply leave our country, if we are that bad why did he choose to come to Nigeria?