FG to Connect ALSCON Plant to National Grid

Kasim Sumaina

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the supply of power to the the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) as a demonstration of his administration’s resolve to resuscitate the company and return it to full production capacity.

The move, according to Buhari, is to ensure that the nation’s economy is revamped through the mineral and metals sector.

This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, during his extensive tour of the ALSCON facility in Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom.

Ogah stated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) described the approval to connect the company to the national grid as a sign that Buhari’s administration is committed to ensuring that the ALSCON is functional due to its great economic potential that would benefit not just Nigeria but Africa.

Ogah, in a statement that was issued yesterday by the Director of Press, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mrs. Etore Thomas, stated that the company could employ about two thousand Nigerians when it began full operations.

He added that the federal government would provide all necessary support to see that the plant is up and running.

The minister called on stakeholders and operators to ensure they always obtain the relevant licences and pay due royalties to the Federation Account in order to enable government meet its obligations to the citizens.

Ogah noted that the mineral resources in the state could create wealth for the people of Akwa Ibom if the operators would be willing to work together and synergise.