The Federal Government has vowed to revive the long-dormant power plant at the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, a move expected to inject 540 megawatts (MW) into Nigeria’s electricity grid and generate thousands of jobs.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the commitment during a working tour of the facility, where he described the plant’s neglect as a significant national loss.
“It’s unfortunate that 37 years after ALSCON was established, inadequate power supply has prevented us from unlocking its full potential,” Adelabu said.
He emphasized that resuscitating the power plant would not only support the national grid but also create over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs across various value chains when fully operational.
Short-Term Power Fix, Long-Term Plans
Adelabu revealed that an interim arrangement is underway to connect ALSCON to the national grid as part of short-term efforts, while more sustainable power solutions are being explored.
He also expressed deep concern over the abandoned 330kV substation in Ikot-Abasi, which was about 90% completed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) before being left idle. The minister pledged swift action to complete the facility, calling it critical to fully operationalizing ALSCON and maximizing its energy output.
“We’ll ensure the substation is completed in the shortest possible time. It is a key infrastructure asset that cannot continue to waste,” he stated.
ALSCON’s Unfulfilled Promise
ALSCON was first conceptualized in 1989 and reached completion by 1998, but has struggled to fulfill its intended role in Nigeria’s industrial landscape due to chronic power supply challenges.
Following its 2006 privatization, the facility was taken over by Russian firm RUSAL, but commercial operations have remained stalled.
“This facility represents a massive investment and opportunity, not just for aluminium production but for industrial growth across multiple sectors,” Adelabu noted.
He underscored ALSCON’s importance in the upstream, midstream, and downstream aluminium sectors, adding that its full activation would support local raw material supply, reduce import dependency, and conserve foreign exchange.
Aligning With National Energy Goals
The Minister’s visit, which included meetings with Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), NDPHC, company representatives, and contractors, was part of a broader push under the government’s energy development agenda.
Adelabu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving electricity access in line with Nigeria’s Vision 2030 and the Tanzania Declaration on universal energy access.
“What we’re doing at ALSCON is in line with our national target to provide reliable electricity to the majority of Nigerians by 2030,” he said.
About the Author
