FG Pledges to Resuscitate ALSCON

By Kasim Sumaina

The federal government on Friday pledged to put plans in place to resuscitate the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) for sustainable commercial operations.

The Minister of State Mines and Steel Development Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah revealed this at the Government House in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, during his two-day working visit to the State

Ogah, in statement in Abuja by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Mrs. Etore Thomas, stated that the purpose of the visit was to among other things share the vision and policy thrust of the federal government for the development of the nation’s solid minerals and metals Industry, solicit the support and partnership of the Government of Akwa-Ibom State in ensuring the orderly and efficient exploitation of huge deposits of silica sand, glass sand and clay that abound in the state.

According to him, it also includes to sensitise mining operators, host communities and other stakeholders with a view of ensuring that mining activities are conducted in a safe and environmentally friendly manner as provided in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

The Minister, while disclosing that the exploitation and utilisation of the nation’s mineral’s resources would serve as the formidable foundation for industrialisation, stressed the need for collaboration in the areas of provision of access road to sand dredging sites, maintenance of peace and security in sand dredging communities, ensuring adequate sensitisation of the people of the State on the constitutional role of the Federal Government as well as improving communication and information sharing between the Ministry and State Government.

He noted that the establishment and sustenance of mutual synergy and partnership will benefit both the federal government and the state as it would increase revenue generation for sustainable growth, create employment opportunities and provide economic empowerment of host mining communities.

He however assured of the Ministry’s continued support to enhance and increase mining activities in the State.

In his remarks, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, appreciated the Federal Government for its resolve to revive the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (AISCON), adding it would increase the revenue generated from the mining sector in the State.

He said “I will personally monitor the progress of the ALSCON project”

Also, Governor Udom Emmanuel affirmed that collaboration between the Federal, State and other relevant stakeholders would ensure the smooth running of mining activities as well as increase revenue generation in the State.