Last checked at 15 Nov 2018 11:00
20-year License renewal for OMLs 4, 38 and 41 confirmed
Lagos and London, 15 November 2018: Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc ("Seplat" or the "Company"), a leading Nigerian indigenous oil and gas company listed on both the Nigeria Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, today announces that the President and Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources has given consent for the renewal of OMLs 4, 38 and 41 to a new expiry date of 21 October 2038. Seplat holds a 45% working interest in OMLs 4, 38 and 41 and in the first nine months of 2018 production from the licenses accounted for 92% of Seplat's total oil production and 100% of Seplat's gas production. In connection with the license renewal Seplat has paid in full a Renewal Bonus of US$25.9 million, thus ensuring all conditions for license renewal have been met. The Company is now working with the Department of Petroleum Resources to obtain the updated title deeds in connection with the renewal.
Commenting on the license renewal Austin Avuru, Seplat's Chief Executive Officer, said:
"We are delighted to have concluded the early renewal of our core producing licenses, OMLs 4, 38 and 41. With the extension of the license to 2038 secured, we can now invest with confidence long into the future as we seek to further realise the full oil and gas potential of the licenses and continue to deliver value to all of our stakeholders".
Enquiries
Seplat Petroleum Development Company plc |
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Roger Brown, CFO | +44 (0) 203 725 6500 |
Andrew Dymond, Head of Investor Relations |
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Ayeesha Aliyu, Investor Relations | +234 12 770 400 |
Chioma Nwachuku, GM - External Affairs and Communications |
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FTI Consulting |
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Ben Brewerton / Sara Powell | +44 (0) 203 727 1000 |
| seplat@fticonsulting.com |
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Citigroup Global Markets Limited |
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Tom Reid / Luke Spells | +44 (0) 207 986 4000 |
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Investec Bank plc |
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Chris Sim / Jonathan Wolf | +44 (0) 207 597 4000 |
Important notice
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
Certain statements may contain forward-looking information concerning Seplat's strategy, operations, financial performance or condition, outlook, growth opportunities or circumstances in the countries, sectors or markets in which Seplat operates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve uncertainty because they depend on future circumstances, and relate to events, not all of which are within Seplat's control or can be predicted by Seplat. Although Seplat believes that the expectations and opinions reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations and opinions will prove to have been correct. Actual results and market conditions could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements. No part of these results constitutes, or shall be taken to constitute, an invitation or inducement to invest in Seplat or any other entity, and must not be relied upon in any way in connection with any investment decision. Seplat undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.
Notes to editors
Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc is a leading indigenous Nigerian oil and gas exploration and production company with a strategic focus on Nigeria, listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") (LSE:SEPL) and Nigerian Stock Exchange ("NSE") (NSE:SEPLAT).
Seplat is pursuing a Nigeria focused growth strategy and is well-positioned to participate in future divestment programmes by the international oil companies, farm-in opportunities and future licensing rounds. For further information please refer to the company website, http://seplatpetroleum.com/