FG Eyes 540MW Boost Through ALSCON Power Restoration Project

The Federal Government has announced plans to restore power generation at the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), with a target of generating 540 megawatts (MW) to strengthen the national grid and revive industrial operations in the region. The move is part of broader efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial revitalisation and improve energy access across the country.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the ALSCON facility in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. He said the government’s initiative to restore power generation at the plant aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises energy security, industrial development, and job creation.

Adelabu explained that the restoration project will be executed through a public-private partnership model involving key stakeholders, including the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and the management of ALSCON. According to him, the facility has the potential to serve both industrial and public power needs once fully operational.

“The ALSCON power restoration is not just about energy generation; it is about revitalising industrial capacity and bringing economic activity back to this region,” Adelabu said. “This project will contribute about 540MW to the grid when fully restored, supporting the country’s drive for stable electricity supply and industrial growth.”

He noted that the Federal Government is determined to harness idle assets across the country to optimise national energy output, particularly from gas-based and hydroelectric power plants. He said the government is working closely with partners to ensure that existing energy infrastructure like ALSCON becomes productive once again, helping to reduce the gap between power generation and demand.

The Minister further revealed that the rehabilitation plan involves reactivating the gas turbines, repairing damaged transmission lines, and ensuring that ALSCON’s internal power network is upgraded to modern standards. “We will not allow valuable infrastructure like this to waste away,” he added. “Our administration’s focus is on energy recovery, efficiency, and sustainability.”

In his remarks, the Managing Director of ALSCON, Mr. Dmitry Zaviyalov, lauded the Federal Government’s intervention and expressed readiness to cooperate fully with all relevant agencies to ensure the success of the project. He described the initiative as a major breakthrough that will help restore ALSCON’s operational capacity, create thousands of jobs, and attract foreign investments into the region.

Zaviyalov emphasised that once the plant resumes full operation, it will not only support the national grid but also power the company’s aluminium production process, which requires a steady and high-capacity electricity supply. He highlighted that stable power is essential for reviving Nigeria’s manufacturing base and reducing dependence on imports.

The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) also confirmed that the restoration project aligns with Nigeria’s power sector recovery strategy, which seeks to leverage underutilised industrial facilities for power generation. BPE Director-General, Alex Okoh, explained that the collaboration between ALSCON and the government will serve as a model for similar partnerships across other idle industrial assets nationwide.

Okoh added that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the restored power generation from ALSCON contributes to stabilising the national grid and supports Nigeria’s goal of achieving at least 20,000MW of installed capacity in the coming years. “This project will serve as a catalyst for industrialisation and regional economic development,” he said.

Energy experts have praised the initiative, describing it as a strategic move that could significantly enhance Nigeria’s energy mix. According to Dr. Emmanuel Oladipo, an energy analyst, reviving ALSCON’s power generation capacity demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable energy growth. “Bringing ALSCON back on stream could provide a dual advantage — supporting the grid and boosting industrial output,” he said.

He also noted that Nigeria must take advantage of existing gas resources to improve power generation efficiency. “With the country’s abundant gas reserves, projects like ALSCON should serve as models for self-sustaining energy and industrial hubs,” Oladipo added.

Residents of Akwa Ibom have also expressed optimism about the project, saying it could rejuvenate local economies and provide employment opportunities. Community leader Chief Ekpenyong Etim said the initiative would “restore hope” in the region’s industrial prospects. “We have long waited for ALSCON to come alive again. This project will change the lives of many families if completed,” he said.

The ALSCON facility, originally established in the 1990s, has been largely dormant for years due to operational, ownership, and power challenges. Its revival is expected to signal renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s industrial and energy sectors.

The Federal Government’s broader power sector reform plan also includes expanding generation capacity through renewable and gas-based sources, modernising transmission networks, and promoting private sector participation. The administration has pledged to bridge Nigeria’s estimated 8,000MW energy deficit through a mix of infrastructure rehabilitation and new investments.

Minister Adelabu reiterated that the ALSCON restoration would be closely monitored to ensure timely completion and transparency in implementation. “We will not tolerate delays or inefficiency. This is a critical national asset, and our goal is to see it deliver value to Nigerians as quickly as possible,” he stated.

With this initiative, the Federal Government aims to revitalise a key component of Nigeria’s industrial base while simultaneously strengthening the power supply chain. If completed as planned, the project could mark a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing pursuit of energy sufficiency and economic diversification.