AIM listed LEKOIL, the oil and gas exploration and production company with a focus on Nigeria and West Africa, announces its final audited results for the year to 31 December 2019.

Map source: Lekoil

Operational Highlights

Otakikpo

• Production levels averaged approximately gross 5,305 bopd (2,122 bopd net to LEKOIL Nigeria)
• Updated Competent Person's Reports announcing a significant upgrade to 2P oil reserves estimates and prospective resources (unrisked) for LEKOIL Nigeria's working interest in the field

Field Licence renewed

• Phase Two plans underway, subject to the securing of funding, for a five to seven well drilling programme, targeting the increase of production to around gross 15,000 to 20,000 bopd (6,000 - 8,000 bopd net to LEKOIL Nigeria)

OPL 310
Advanced plans for the Ogo appraisal drilling programme with well locations selected. Funding discussions currently underway with industry partners
LEKOIL executed a legally binding Cost and Revenue Sharing Agreement ("CRSA") to progress the appraisal and development programme activities at the OGO discovery and conversion to an Oil Mining Licence ("OML")
OPL 310 Licence extended to 2 August 2022, following the payment of an extension fee by LEKOIL

OPL 276

• Acquired 45% participating interest in the Production Sharing Contract ("PSC") in relation to the Oil Prospecting Licence 276 from Newcross Petroleum Limited (subject to receipt of required consents)
• Preliminary resource estimates by Newcross, based on four wells resulting in four discoveries, reported gross recoverable volumes of 29 million barrels of oil and 333 Bcf of gas, upside of 33 million barrels of oil and 476 Bcf of gas (recoverable)

OPL 325

• Execution of the PSC in relation to the Oil Prospecting Licence 325 expected to occur in 2020
• On executing the PSC, LEKOIL intends to farm-down a portion of interest following a detailed prospect and lead risking study

Financial Highlights

• Equity crude sales proceeds of US$42.0 million
• Total production from the Otakikpo marginal field for the year at 759,666 barrels net to LEKOIL Nigeria
• The Group lifted 677,788 barrels for the year 2019, realizing an average sales price of approximately US$62 per barrel
• Loss for the year of US$12.0 million (2018: loss of US$7.8 million)
• Cash and bank balances of US$2.7 million as at 31 December 2019 (31 December 2018: US$10.4 million). Cash balance at 31 July 2020 of US$0.6 million
• As at 31 December 2019, total outstanding debt financing, net of cash, was US$16.5 million (31 December 2018: US$10.1 million)
• Target an immediate reduction of at least 40% in general and administrative expenses annually following the significant drop in oil prices in the first half of 2020

Lekan Akinyanmi, LEKOIL's CEO, commented, 
"The priority for 2020 is to advance towards the start of the drilling programmes at both Otakikpo and Ogo in OPL 310. The next two years will prove to be transformative and provide key catalysts for value appreciation for shareholders through the drill bit as we advance in building a leading Africa-focused exploration and production business."

KeyFacts Energy: Lekoil Nigeria country profile