The Nigerian government is set to deport a British citizen, Roger Brown, after revoking his visa, work permits and residence over allegations of racism and discrimination against Nigerian employees.
Brown, who is the CEO of Seplat Energy Plc, an oil and gas exploration and production company based in Nigeria, was recently stripped of his visa, work permits, and residence permits by the Nigerian government over allegations of racism, favoritism towards foreign workers, and discrimination against Nigerian employees.
According to reports, the revocation was contained in a letter from the Minister of Internal Affairs to the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, dated March 3, 2023. The letter cited a petition from the solicitor of concerned workers and stakeholders of Seplat Energy PLC, accusing Brown of various allegations of discrimination and racism against Nigerian employees.
The letter stated that several witnesses had testified to supporting the allegations against Brown. However, the CEO declined to attend the hearing despite two invitations, claiming to be unavailable, even though he was in Abuja for other purposes at the time.
Investigation and records in the Ministry also revealed that Brown was in possession of a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) that was not based on a validly issued Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior, resulting in the violation of relevant immigration laws and regulations.
As a result, the Minister of Internal Affairs concluded that Brown’s continued stay in Nigeria is contrary to national interest and withdrew all relevant documents that authorized his entry or stay in Nigeria.
The decision by the Nigerian government to deport Brown has sparked a debate about racism and discrimination in the workplace and the role of foreign workers in Nigeria’s economy. Some have hailed the government’s action as a necessary step towards combating racism and promoting inclusivity in the workplace, while others have criticized the move, arguing that it sends the wrong message to foreign investors and could harm Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.
Critics of the government’s decision also point out that Nigeria has a history of discrimination against foreign workers, particularly in the oil and gas sector, where many foreign companies operate. Some have suggested that the allegations against Brown could be part of a wider campaign by Nigerian workers to resist foreign domination in the industry.
However, supporters of the government’s decision argue that racism and discrimination have no place in the workplace, and that the Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect the rights and interests of its citizens.
The case of Roger Brown and the controversy it has generated underscores the need for companies operating in Nigeria to take proactive steps towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. It also highlights the importance of adhering to relevant immigration laws and regulations, to avoid running afoul of the law and jeopardizing the company’s operations.
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