Akwa Ibom residents plead with Tinubu to revive ALSCON operations

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A community leader in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reopen the moribund Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, located in the area.

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The company has remained shut since 2013 due to severe gas supply shortages and protracted legal disputes over ownership spanning more than two decades.

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Speaking with our correspondent in Uyo on Wednesday, a community leader, Mr Uyiota Abraham, lamented that the shutdown of the aluminium plant had brought untold hardship to the people.

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“We have suffered a lot since ALSCON shut down operations. I appeal to the President to appreciate the economic importance and other related benefits the country would derive and intervene in the reopening of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria in Ikot Abasi for the resumption of production,” he said.

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He urged Tinubu to resolve the legal disputes and other bottlenecks that have hindered the operations of ALSCON.

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“Whatever litigation and other related bottlenecks that led to the unfortunate closure of ALSCON need to be resolved for the resumption of operations in the interest of the nation,” he added.

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Abraham noted that the huge Federal Government investment, which runs into billions of naira, should concern every Nigerian, urging stakeholders to set aside political and personal differences to ensure the reopening of the aluminium company.

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He emphasised the need for the urgent revival of ALSCON, noting that communities whose farmlands were acquired by the Federal Government for the establishment of the plant had been deprived of expected benefits due to its non-functionality.

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Meanwhile, the community leader expressed appreciation to the management of UC RUSAL/ALSCON for various skills acquisition programmes aimed at empowering youths in Ikot Abasi and its environs.

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He noted that initiatives such as training in forklift operation, mechanical works, welding, and ICT, as well as scholarship opportunities for students to study in Russia in various fields, would help beneficiaries develop their potential and become future leaders.

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He also commended the management of ALSCON for maintaining the plant’s facilities despite the prolonged shutdown, urging the Federal Government to address the gas supply challenges affecting the company’s ability to resume aluminium production.

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