Residents of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the reopening of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), citing prolonged economic hardship caused by the plant’s closure.

The community, through its leaders, expressed concern that ALSCON—once a major industrial hub in the region—has remained shut for years, depriving residents of employment opportunities and slowing economic development in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the community, a local leader noted that the continued inactivity of the smelting plant has negatively affected livelihoods, particularly for families whose lands were acquired for the project. He urged the Federal Government to take decisive steps to resolve the issues hindering its operations.

ALSCON, located in Ikot Abasi, has been inactive since around 2013 due to a combination of gas supply challenges and protracted ownership disputes. Stakeholders say these unresolved issues have stalled efforts to revive the multi-billion-naira facility. The community emphasized that reopening the plant would not only restore jobs but also boost industrial activities and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

They added that the facility remains a strategic national asset capable of supporting economic diversification. The appeal comes amid ongoing federal efforts to revive ALSCON, with authorities previously setting up committees and engaging investors to facilitate its return to operation.

Industry observers believe that resolving the bottlenecks surrounding the plant could play a key role in advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda. Residents, however, insist that urgent intervention is needed to bring ALSCON back to life and restore economic hope to the host community.