Seplat Energy PLC on Thursday backed its Chief Executive Officer Roger Brown, following reports that his Nigerian visa has been revoked due to racism allegations.

Seplat is a Lagos-based oil and gas company focused on Nigeria. Its shares were down 4.4% to 112.38 pence each in London on Thursday morning.

Seplat said it has become aware of a news report following a letter regarding the residency status of its CEO Roger Brown. Reports have said that Brown’s visa has been revoked following accusations of racism.

The company said: ‘Seplat Energy wishes to refute the false allegations against 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 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.’

It added that it thinks the allegations are ‘a spurious and vindictive reaction to the enforcement of corporate governance standards in the company.’

According to the company’s website, Brown joined Seplat in 2013 as chief financial officer. He was then appointed as CEO in August 2020.

Seplat said that across the decade, ‘Brown has earned an unblemished record of service and leadership in the company.’

Further, on Wednesday, Seplat’s board ‘unanimously’ passed a vote of confidence in Brown. He will continue to work from the UK office.

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