*Production averages 5,345 barrels per day
*To focus on growth, strategic investment in 2019
OpeOluwani Akintayo
Lagos — Lekoil has said it intends to farm-down a portion of its 62 percent working interest in Oil Production License, OPL 325.
The management of the company made this disclosure in a statement that accompanied its 2018 financial report, adding that the step will be taken after a detailed prospect/lead risking study on the block.
Apart from investment in the Otakipko marginal fields, the firm has made further investment in OPL325 and its lawsuit connected to OPL 310 has been withdrawn to enable engagement with partner, Optimum Petroleum Development Limited, and the regulator, DPR, to conclude agreements and resolve all outstanding issues, according to the report.
It said technical evaluation on OPL325 has been completed with 11 prospects and leads estimated to contain potential gross aggregate Oil-in-Place volumes of over 5,700 mmbbls (un-risked, Best Estimate case) identified.
Production at the Otakikpo marginal field averaged approximately 5,345 bopd, adding that strategic decisions and steps towards increasing production have commenced, the report said.
At the Otakikpo marginal field, Phase Two preparations for development has commenced with the acquisition of 3D seismic data acquisition and interpretation, while an updated Competent Person’s Report, CPR has nearly been completed.
Though it posted a loss of $7.8 million in the 2018 financial year, as against a profit of $6.5 million in 2017, there are plans to ramp up production at the Otakipko marginal fields to approximately 15,000 to 20,000 bopd. Subject to agreement on funding with partners, plans are underway for a three to five well drilling programme with the aim of meeting the production target.
According to Olalekan Akinyanmi, Chief Executive Officer, Lekoil “The priority for 2019 is to grow production volumes at Otakikpo through Phase Two development (subject to funding) to reach gross volumes of 15,000 to 20,000 bopd. The first step has already occurred, with 3D seismic data acquisition and interpretation now completed.
“We also continue to advance towards the start of the appraisal drilling programme on Ogo in OPL 310. We will work with our joint venture partner, Optimum, to negotiate agreements that will allow us to make progress on the block, after securing all relevant regulatory extensions and approvals,” Akinyanmi said.
“The next year should, therefore, provide key catalysts for value appreciation for shareholders as we move forward in building a leading Africa-focused exploration and production business.
In realizing its vision of becoming the world’s leading exploration and production company focused on Africa, the company seeks to maximise value for stakeholders in a sustainable manner, by operating with integrity and leveraging local resources – to the benefit of the countries and communities in which it operates.
