The Federal Government has intensified efforts to revive the long-dormant Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, as part of its strategic push to strengthen the national grid and industrial capacity.
The initiative, expected to deliver about 540 megawatts (MW) of electricity, underscores the administration’s commitment to restoring one of Nigeria’s key industrial assets through sustained power restoration at ALSCON.
During a recent inspection visit to the facility, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to expedite the reconnection of ALSCON to the national grid and ensure that its full potential is harnessed.
According to him, the revival of the plant will not only enhance power generation but also create up to 15,000 direct and indirect jobs once it becomes operational.
Reviving ALSCON through Power Restoration
Adelabu lamented that despite its establishment more than three decades ago, the aluminum smelting complex has remained largely underutilized due to persistent power supply challenges.
He noted that restoring steady power to ALSCON is a crucial step toward reviving Nigeria’s industrial base and attracting new investments into the energy-intensive manufacturing sector.
“The federal government is fully committed to bringing ALSCON back to life. Our target is to ensure a temporary connection to the grid while developing a permanent power solution to sustain full production,” the minister said.
The power restoration at ALSCON, he added, is designed to support the government’s broader goal of increasing national electricity access and industrial output by 2030, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
Government’s Action Plan for the Abandoned Substation
Adelabu also expressed concern over the neglected 330kV substation in Ikot-Abasi, built by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and reportedly 90 percent complete before it was abandoned.
He promised swift intervention to complete the project, describing it as critical infrastructure necessary for sustaining ALSCON’s energy needs and enhancing regional power distribution.
“It is unfortunate that such a major investment was left unattended for years. Completing this substation will ensure that the power restoration at ALSCON is not only achieved but sustained,” Adelabu emphasized.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Power, in collaboration with NDPHC, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and other key partners, has developed a short-term plan to reactivate the existing transmission network while working on a long-term solution that guarantees reliability and efficiency.
Economic and Industrial Impact of ALSCON Revival
Industry observers believe that restoring electricity to ALSCON could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
The facility, initially conceptualized in 1989 and completed in 1998, was transferred to RUSAL, a Russian firm, following its privatization in 2006.
However, limited power access has hampered its production capacity for nearly three decades, leaving the plant dormant and depriving Nigeria of potential foreign exchange earnings and job opportunities.
Adelabu stressed that the government’s intervention is not just about electricity generation but also about revitalizing a key node in the country’s aluminum value chain.
“ALSCON has the potential to power several local industries, provide raw materials for manufacturers, and stimulate growth in the downstream sector,” he noted.
He further explained that the power restoration at ALSCON will support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on imported aluminum products and strengthen domestic production capabilities.
Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Alignment
To fast-track implementation, the Minister revealed that his team has held consultative meetings with ALSCON’s management, the plant’s foreign technical partners, and local contractors to identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks.
“We are here to collaborate, not to point fingers. What matters now is to restore power, get the smelter running again, and position it as a symbol of Nigeria’s renewed industrial ambition,” Adelabu remarked.
He also emphasized that the power restoration at ALSCON forms part of the Tinubu administration’s ongoing energy reform program aimed at expanding generation capacity, stabilizing transmission networks, and ensuring equitable power distribution across the country.
Repositioning the Power Sector for Sustainable Growth
The Ministry of Power is currently implementing several projects designed to tackle generation and transmission gaps nationwide.
Adelabu highlighted that restoring ALSCON’s operations could serve as a model for other abandoned industrial assets that have suffered from inadequate electricity supply.
“This project sends a clear message that Nigeria is serious about reviving its manufacturing sector.
The 540MW capacity from ALSCON will contribute significantly to the national grid, improving energy stability and industrial competitiveness,” the minister stated.
He added that the government’s broader energy vision includes promoting renewable energy integration, upgrading outdated infrastructure, and incentivizing private investment to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix.
The renewed power restoration at ALSCON represents more than just a technical fix — it symbolizes a major step toward reindustrializing Nigeria through stable electricity supply.
With the completion of the Ikot-Abasi substation and the reactivation of the aluminum smelter, the Federal Government expects to unlock a wave of economic activity that could ripple across multiple sectors.
As Adelabu reaffirmed, “The success of this initiative will demonstrate what focused collaboration between government and industry can achieve in building a sustainable power and industrial future for Nigeria.”
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