The Ibom Minerals, Energy and Maritime Professionals Association (IMEMPA) has intensified its campaign for the revival of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), securing fresh assurances from the Federal Government that decisive action may soon be taken to restore the once-thriving industrial giant.
The assurance came during a high-level meeting between IMEMPA and the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja recently.
Leading the IMEMPA delegation, the association’s Executive, Secretary Engr. Victor Udom, described ALSCON as a strategic national asset whose revival would significantly boost Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, strengthen the country’s non-oil economy, and unlock vast economic opportunities for Akwa Ibom State and the nation at large.
Udom stressed that the prolonged inactivity of the aluminium smelting plant had deprived Nigeria of substantial economic benefits and weakened the country’s manufacturing value chain. He therefore urged the Federal Government to take urgent and coordinated steps to resolve longstanding challenges hindering the company’s operations.
Presenting IMEMPA’s position, the delegation called on the Minister to champion a number of critical interventions, including the declaration of ALSCON as a Priority National Industrial Recovery Project, the convening of a ministerial roundtable involving all key stakeholders to address the lingering ownership dispute, and the establishment of a Technical Working Group to develop a practical roadmap for the plant’s revival.
The group further advocated for coordinated efforts to secure sustainable gas and power solutions for the facility, enhanced engagement with investors, diplomatic partners and the Akwa Ibom State Government, as well as direct Presidential support to fast-track the implementation of agreed recovery strategies.
According to IMEMPA’s Vice President on Solid Minerals and Renewable Energy Engr. Pius Ebong, the Association remains committed to providing professional expertise and strategic input to support government efforts aimed at restoring ALSCON to full operation.
Responding, the Minister of Steel Development commended IMEMPA for its patriotic commitment and constructive engagement on a matter of significant national importance.
Prince Audu acknowledged the quality of the association’s contributions and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s recognition of ALSCON’s strategic role in Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.
The Minister disclosed that his ministry had already commenced consultations with relevant stakeholders and demonstrated extensive knowledge of ALSCON’s history, strategic value and the complex legal and operational issues that have stalled its operations over the years.
In what may be seen as a major breakthrough, Audu informed the delegation that the ALSCON matter had already been escalated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has directed relevant authorities and institutions to submit reports that would guide the government’s next line of action.
He further revealed that a Presidential directive specifically aimed at facilitating the revival of ALSCON is expected in the near future.
The Minister assured IMEMPA that the Ministry of Steel Development would continue to provide updates on progress made and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to pursuing practical and sustainable solutions capable of restoring the smelter to full productivity.
Industry observers view the latest development as a significant step toward resolving one of Nigeria’s longest-running industrial challenges.
The meeting reinforced growing consensus among government officials, industry professionals and economic stakeholders that the revival of ALSCON extends beyond the resuscitation of a single factory.
Analysts believe the project’s successful revival could stimulate manufacturing growth, attract investment, deepen economic diversification, enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aluminium market and contribute substantially to sustainable national development.
For Akwa Ibom State, stakeholders say the return of ALSCON would serve as a major catalyst for industrial expansion, job creation and broader economic transformation, further positioning the state as a key hub for industrial and energy-driven development in Nigeria.
Discussion about this post