The federal government says it will revive the Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom state, and ensure its connection to the national grid as part of efforts to boost power generation.

Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, made the pledge on Monday during a working visit to the company’s facilities.

Adelabu lamented that 37 years after its establishment, ALSCON was yet to deliver its full potential due to lack of electricity supply.

“These huge investments have suffered from lack of power supply in the last 27 years,” Adelabu said.

“We are aware of the enormous potential this institution holds for employment, local aluminium production, and saving foreign exchange.”

Adelabu said the government would implement a short-term solution to connect ALSCON to the national grid while pursuing a long-term plan for sustainable supply.