FG Targets 540MW Boost as Plans to Revive ALSCON Advance

By Ekanem ASUQUO 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviving the Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, with a plan to reconnect the plant to the national grid and add 540 megawatts of electricity to national supply.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the facility, where he lamented that the multibillion-naira investment had remained idle for decades due to lack of power supply.

He explained that when fully restored, ALSCON will generate 540 megawatts of electricity, create about 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, and stimulate economic activities across the country’s aluminium value chain.

“The company’s six turbines, with a combined capacity of 540 megawatts, can support both industrial and domestic energy needs. This revival will also reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported aluminium products,” Adelabu said.

The minister added that a new 330/132KV substation and transmission line from Ikot Ekpene to Ikot Abasi are under construction to enable full evacuation of generated power. He also hinted that the facility could be upgraded to produce up to 660 megawatts through technical optimization.

Adelabu assured that the government will resolve gas supply issues affecting the company’s operations by facilitating discussions on fair and sustainable pricing between gas producers and ALSCON management.

Development Advisor to ALSCON, Viacheslav Krylov, noted that the plant has not resumed operations despite a presidential directive in 2024 due to power challenges. He said renewed federal attention gives hope for full recovery and expansion to 200,000 metric tonnes of production capacity within six years.

He expressed optimism that the project’s revival will provide jobs for over 15,000 Nigerians and boost the country’s industrial competitiveness.