The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured residents of Akwa Ibom State and the citizens that plans are in top gear to ensure that
operations will soon resume in the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) located in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, gave the assurance while inspecting the facility in Ikot Abasi on Thursday.
While expressing satisfaction with the state of equipment and infrastructure in the facility despite being shut down for over 10 years, Audu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving key obstacles hindering the plant’s revival.
According to the Minister: “We are working to address the challenges of gas supply, the ownership tussle between BFI Group and RUSAL, and the dredging of the Imo River.
“President Bola Tinubu is determined to stimulate the economy and create jobs under the Renewed Hope Agenda, making ALSCON’s revival a top priority.”
Audu, who highlighted the plant’s economic potential, stated: “The plant started operations in 1997, ran for about two years, then resumed production from 2008 to 2013. It has the capacity to generate 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, which is very significant.”
He added that the current managers of ALSCON have invested over $400 million in the facility, emphasizing its importance to Nigeria’s goal of growing its economy to $1 trillion by 2030.
The minister said: “As you can see, the plant has been idle for over a decade, yet it holds massive resources that are wasting away,.
“There is a blueprint for its revival, but critical issues must first be addressed. I am committed to resolving the ownership dispute, ensuring stable gas supply, and facilitating the dredging of the Imo River. The Federal Government will do everything humanly possible to bring this plant back to life.”
ALSCON’s Managing Director, Zavlyalov Dmitriy, affirmed the company’s readiness to commence operations once the key challenges are resolved.
“Despite being shut down for over 10 years, RUSAL has continuously maintained the plant’s equipment and infrastructure.
“We have also remained committed to our corporate social responsibilities, including overseas scholarships, skills acquisition programmes, and other empowerment initiatives for our host community,” Dmitriy noted.
