A’Ibom Community Urges Tinubu to Reopen ALSCON
A community leader in Akwa Ibom State has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the long-standing closure of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, warning that the shutdown has inflicted years of economic hardship on residents.
The aluminium plant, located in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, has remained largely inactive since 2013 following protracted legal disputes over its ownership and management. Once a major industrial hub, ALSCON provided thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boosting economic activities across Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states.
Speaking on behalf of affected residents, the community leader lamented that the prolonged closure has led to widespread unemployment, decline in local businesses, and rising poverty levels. He noted that many families who depended on the company for their livelihoods have been pushed into economic distress.
ALSCON, originally established as part of Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, was privatised in the early 2000s. However, disputes between the federal government and private investors—particularly involving Russia-based UC RUSAL—have stalled full operations for over a decade. Although court rulings at different times attempted to resolve the ownership tussle, implementation challenges have persisted.
The community is now calling on the Tinubu administration to prioritise the resolution of all legal and administrative bottlenecks preventing the plant’s reopening. According to the appeal, reviving ALSCON would not only restore jobs but also enhance Nigeria’s industrial capacity, increase export earnings, and reduce reliance on imported aluminium products.
Stakeholders have also urged the federal government to engage all parties involved, ensure transparency in the ownership structure, and create a sustainable framework for the plant’s operation.
As economic pressures mount nationwide, the reopening of ALSCON is being seen by residents as a critical step toward revitalising local economies and restoring hope to affected communities in Akwa Ibom State.
