The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Interior, has revoked the work permit, visa and residence permit of Roger Brown, chief executive office of Seplat Energy Plc, one of the highly capitalized firms listed on the Nigeria Exchange Group, according to a report published by ThisDay.

Seplat Energy Plc has oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta including OMLs 4, 34, 40, 41, 53 among others. The firm provides about 30mpercent of the processed gas used for electricity production in Nigeria through Oben Gas Processing Plant, ANOH Gas Processing Plant and Sapele Gas Processing Plant.

Its CEO, Roger Brown, was accused of racism, favouring of foreign workers and discrimination against Nigerian employees. According to ThisDay, the Federal Government accused Brown of violating other rules such as being in possession of Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) which was not based on any valid expatriate quota.

In addition, Seplat Energy’s CEO failed to honour invitation extended to him by the panel set up by the Ministry of Interior to investigate the matter.

The Ministry of Interior’s letter to Seplat Energy, which was sighted by ThisDay, with the title “Withdrawal of Work Permit, CERPAC, Visa/Residence Permit of Mr. Roger Thompson Brown – CEO, SEPLAT Energy Plc”, reads thus:

“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.

“Consequently, the Ministry has withdrawn the Work Permit CERPAC, Visa, Residence Permit and all relevant documents that authorised Mr.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.”

In a swift reaction, Basil Omiyi, independent non-executive chairman, on behalf of the entire board of Seplat Energy Plc, has issued a statement in defense of Roger Brown, saying that actions are being taking to engage the Ministry of Interior so as to see the reasons it should reject the allegations levelled against the company’s CEO.

“Seplat Energy wishes to refute the false allegations against Mr. Brown, which have been presented to the Ministry of Interior and the public by certain petitioners, and which have not been brought to the attention of Mr. Roger Brown or Seplat Energy for a reaction. The orchestrated media reports are clearly calculated to spread false information. Seplat Energy will be engaging with the Ministry to reject the impressions created by these allegations.

“The Board believes that these allegations are a spurious and vindictive reaction to the enforcement of corporate governance standards in the company by the Board of Seplat Energy.

“Over the past decade, Mr. Brown has earned an unblemished record of service and leadership in the Company. On 8th March 2023, the Board of Seplat Energy unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Mr. Brown, who continues to discharge his duties and responsibilities as CEO from the SEPLAT UK office,” Seplat Energy stated in a note to the NGX.

Its share price closed at N1200 per share on Wednesday 8 March 2023, representing a year to date return of 9.09 percent.