The Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo has described the signing of partnership agreement between BFI Group, core investor in Aluminium Smelter of Nigeria (ALSCON), and China National Chemical Engineering Corporation (CNCEC) as an epoch-making event.
The Honourable Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, MPR. Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella disclosed this on Monday, 11th November; in Abuja at the official signing of agreement between BFI Group and CNCEC to cement their partnership for the restart of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), valued at about US$3.5 Billion.
In his remarks, the Minister stated that, when the ALSCON Plant come back on stream, it was expected that it would return to its pride of place as the Nation’s catalyst for the development of Aluminium Upstream and Downstream Sectors, utilizing Natural Gas and positioning Nigeria as a major producer of Aluminium in Africa and globally; with a capacity to produce one million metric tons of aluminium per annum, and generation of about 540MW from its gas fired power plant.
He pointed out that the ceremony was “another testament to the strong commitment of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to encourage investments in the ultilization of the Nation’s abundant natural gas to drive Nigeria industrialization, economic growth and development”.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman BFI Group, Dr. Reuben Jaja stated that CNCEC had shown interest in the national planning and industrial development of Nigeria and has promised to work together with BFI Group to promote the efficient utilisation of Natural Gas, reduce carbon emissions in our environment, foster development of energy industry, enhance employment opportunities and accelerate regional economic growth in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman; China National Chemical Engineering Corporation (CNCEC) Mr. Bao Guangdon acknowledged the Country’s abundant deposits of Natural Resources especially in the Oil and Gas Sector and stressed the company’s strength and willingness to harness the resources for the common good of all.
He promised that the company would deploy her best workforce especially in the area of financing with a view to achieving quality result.
The high point of the event was the signing of the Agreement Documents and it was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, MPR. Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella, some Directors in the Ministry, officials of BFI Group and CNCEC.
Chris Ugwuegbulam
Assistant Director (Information)
