The special properties of aluminium, the smelting technology available and the ready availability of abundant natural gas reserves, reinforced the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to proceed with the establishment of the Ikot Abasi Smelter Plant. The Government of Nigeria will by, operating the Smelter, utilize the nation's abundant gas resources to generate energy for aluminium production and in turn, will receive much needed foreign exchange by exporting a large portion of the ingots and billets. Indeed, the whole philosophy of the project is the exportation of gas in embodied form.

Another important objective of the aluminium smelter project is the supply of the basic raw materials (ingots and billets) to local aluminium rolling mills and extrusion plants. These raw materials are currently imported. The Smelter will help the Government to conserve foreign exchange in addition to supporting expansion of aluminium-processing activities in the country - from the rolling mills and extrusion plants to down-stream industries making finished products such as aluminium kitchen utensils, aluminium roofing sheets, deep freezers, van bodies, wires and cables, and wrapping materials to name a few.

The Ikot Abasi Smelter brings desperately needed employment to the region. Skilled workers are trained in mechanical and electrical skills needed during the construction of the plant as well as in occupations needed to run and maintain the smelter. The commissioning of the plant guarantees long term primary and secondary employment for thousands of workers from welders and electricians to doctors and teachers.

The plant is intended to reduce the waste in the petroleum industry not only by utilising the natural gas now being flared; but also by promoting backward integration through the eventual production of petroleum coke.