… Achieves over 9.1 million hours without Lost Time Injury
Seplat Energy PLC, foremost Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, has announced its unaudited results for the for the three months ended 31 March 2026, declaring US 9.0 Cents total dividend per share for the period, which is 96 per cent higher than 1Q 2025 payout.
The foremost energy company grew its profit after tax (PAT) to $37.9m from $23.3m Year-on-Year with cash generated hitting $243.4m.
Group production for the period averaged 129,841 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) up 9 per cent since 4Q 2025 (119,200 boepd). Crude and condensate liftings benefitted from the company’s put-option hedge strategy that exposed it to a 100 per cent of price upside, resulting in strong free cash. Gross profit for the period stood at $370.5m.
The Group delivered more than 9.1 million man-hours without Lost Time Injury – 3.0 million hours onshore-operated assets and 6.1 million hours offshore.
Operational highlights
- Production during the first 26 days of April has averaged approximately 153 kboepd, bringing group average daily working interest production for the year to 26 April to approximately 135 kboepd, within FY 2026 guidance.
- Onshore production contribution of 50,700 boepd, down 10% YoY (1Q 2025: 56,267 boepd).
- YoY decline principally due to 38 days unplanned downtime on third-party operated Trans Forcados Pipeline, impacting Western Assets. Pipeline operations resumed on 24 March and Western Assets production has normalised.
- First gas at ANOH in January 2026, contributed working interest volumes of 17.0 mmscfd, planned increase 2Q 2026 onwards.
- Offshore production contribution of 79,141 boepd, up 5% vs. 1Q 2025: 75,478 boepd.
- Idle well restoration programme continued its strong performance, adding 10 kbopd gross JV production capacity from 8 wells.
- NGLs delivered strong growth, WI production of 9,802 bopd (1Q 2025: 3,376 bopd), as EAP continued to perform at high levels.
- Yoho restart on track for 2Q 2026, Oso-BRT 1 gas expansion project on track for 3Q 2026 start up.
- Carbon emissions intensity for Seplat group assets: 41.6 kg CO2/boe improved by 13% YoY (1Q 2025: 47.9 kg CO2/boe), within this onshore operated emissions intensity reduced 24% on 1Q 2025, reflecting the positive impact of our End of Routine flaring programme.
Financial highlights
- Gross revenue $840.7 million up 4% on prior year (1Q 2025: $809.3 million). Realised oil price of $86.16/bbl.
- Onshore operated assets now reporting under PIA, group blended unit royalty rate 14.7% of revenue (1Q 2025 16.2%).
- Unit production operating cost of $17.1/boe (1Q 2025: $12.6/boe), above our $13.5-14.5/boe guidance due to acceleration of planned maintenance activities at Yoho and lower volumes in the quarter, also impacting EBITDA, expected to normalise in subsequent quarters.
- Adjusted EBITDA of $371.3 million (44% margin), down 7% vs prior year (1Q 2025: $400.6 million).
- Cash generated from operations of $337.9 million up 10% from $306.5 million in 1Q 2025.
- Cash capital expenditure of $42.6 million up 6% YoY (1Q 2025: $ 40.2 million). Capex run rate expected to increase 2Q 2026 onwards.
- Balance sheet remains robust, end-March cash at bank $461.7 million (YE 2025: $332.3 million).
- Net Debt at end-March of $531.6 million down 21% on prior quarter (YE 2025: $673 million). ND/EBITDA improves to 0.43x (YE: 0.53x).
- Completed refinancing of our undrawn revolving credit facility (‘RCF’) and upsized to $400 million, cost of borrowing reduced to SOFR plus 4.5% (down from SOFR plus 5% plus CAS), an overall saving of 76 bps.
Dividend
- 1Q 2026 declared dividend of USD 9.0 cents per share, consisting of USD 5.0 c/share base and USD 4.0 c/share special dividend, for a total cost of approximately $54 million. The declared dividend is up 8% QoQ and up 96% YoY.
2026 Outlook
- 2026 guidance reiterated
- Production guidance of 135-155 kboepd (Crude & Condensate: flat, NGL: +85% YoY & Gas: +30% YoY)
- Capex guidance remains $360-440 million, unit operating cost guidance reiterated at $13.5-$14.5/boe
Commenting on the results, Mr. Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The conflict in the Middle East has dramatically changed the outlook for the oil and gas industry in 2026, and quite possibly beyond. Nigeria’s favourable geographic positioning, combined with our oil rich portfolio, which isfully exposed to higher oil prices, and our strong balance sheet, means we are well placed to deliver strong cashflows in 2026. As a result, we have increased our 1Q 2026 dividend to 9.0 cents per share (core: 5.0 cents and special: 4.0 cents).
Production in 1Q 2026, improved QoQ but modestly missed our internal expectations, largely due to unplanned downtime on third-party infrastructure onshore. That said, April to date production has averaged c.153 kboepd, illustrating the potential of our asset base. Notably, this is before the return of Yoho, scheduled to come back onstream before end 2Q 2026, and full ramp-up of ANOH, as such we remain comfortable with our 2026
guidance.
While the firmer oil price outlook should enhance cash flows its duration is uncertain, as such, we expect to retain our current growth-focused 2026 work programme, which will deliver enhanced asset reliability and overall portfolio growth on route to our 2030 targets. Overall, we have delivered a solid start to 2026, with expectations that 2Q 2026 will see a step forward in performance”.
How Continental Hotels Is Keeping Workers Financially Secure Amid Nigeria’s Rising Cost of Living
In an era of economic pressure and rising living costs, Continental Hotels Group is taking proactive steps to safeguard employee financial security through a market-responsive compensation and benefits strategy.
Cluster Director,Human Resources , Continental Hotels , Niyi Agoro who disclosed this in a message to mark Workers Day across the Group’s hotels in Abuja & Lagos said the Group’s philosophy is anchored on competitiveness, equity, and sustainability.
He pointed out that the Group conducts periodic industry benchmarking and internal equity analyses to ensure its pay structure remains aligned with market realities.
This data-driven approach ,he noted informed a comprehensive salary review in 2025, following earlier adjustments in 2023 and 2024 to address cost-of-living pressures and new minimum wage legislation.
” Beyond basic salary, Continental offers a robust total rewards package designed to ease financial burden and enhance quality of life.
“Employees receive two free meals daily with two menu options, plus a monthly guest-style lunch buffet. Transportation is provided free via a fleet of eleven buses, including two new Toyota Coaster vehicles added recently,” he informed
Healthcare , Agoro explained is delivered through a four-tier system: mandatory HMO coverage, an on-site staff clinic, retainership with accredited tertiary hospitals, and access to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund with staff clinic operating night shifts to serve employees working non-day schedules
The HR Cluster director highlighted additional lifestyle benefits that set Continental apart in Nigeria’s hospitality sector team include include a 50 percent discount on food and beverage purchases, paid exam leave, group life insurance, annual staff hampers, and year-end bonuses.
According to him, the Group also supports long-term financial well-being through annual salary reviews tied to business performance and performance-based adjustments for exceptional contributors.
“Our compensation philosophy is responsive, compliant, and market-aligned, ensuring employees feel financially secure and motivated,” Agoro said.
For workers on long shifts, he said , the newly constructed 80-bed staff layover facility provides a safe and comfortable rest environment, reducing commuting stress and enhancing work-life balance.
Agoro noted that benefits are intentionally aligned with real employee needs rather than offered as symbolic gestures. “We ensure our value proposition drives both immediate impact and long-term value realization,” he said.
He noted that the strategy has strengthened retention and motivation, with staff reporting greater confidence in their financial stability.
As inflation continues to challenge household incomes, Continental’s approach offers a model for how hospitality employers can protect their workforce.
Ultimately, Agoro said, financial security is not just about pay. “It’s about creating an ecosystem where employees feel supported in every aspect of their lives, from health to transport to career growth
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