The Chief Executive Officer of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO), Dr. Robert Makaila Sambian, has vowed to revive the state-owned company’s operations, steering it toward financial independence and operational excellence.
Addressing a staff durbar on Friday, February 13, Dr. Sambian declared that VALCO’s period of stagnation is over.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the smelter into a result-oriented asset, with the ultimate goal of establishing VALCO as a formidable aluminium producer on the international market.
”When we assumed office, one thing was clear: VALCO had been in ‘waiting mode’ for far too long,” Dr. Sambian stated.
“We declared boldly that the waiting mode is over. VALCO can no longer afford to be passive, reactive, or dependent. We must become deliberate, strategic, and execution-driven.”
To achieve this, he said management has developed a Two-Pillar Turnaround Strategy which are optimization of existing operations and the VALCO Line 6 Transformation Project.
Dr. Robert Makaila Sambian, CEO, VALCO
Dr. Sambian explained that the first pillar—Optimization—is focused on “sweating the assets” already in place by improving efficiency and restoring capacity.
This ecosystem of production requires significant investment in tools and equipment.
Consequently, management has undertaken a deliberate retooling of the plant.
This includes the acquisition of:
16 lift trucks and 2 payloaders.
A tractor and a centrifuge system and various other pieces of critical operational equipment.
”We are currently executing a ramp-up to two full potlines,” the CEO added.
“When we assumed office, the active pot count stood at 114. Today, we have increased that to 124 pots, and we are steadily progressing toward 150 pots and beyond.
The CEO further explained that VALCO is transitioning toward value addition, shifting its focus from primary metal to higher-margin downstream products.
This strategic pivot is expected to improve profit margins, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen local competitiveness compared to previous years.
Dr. Sambian also noted the restoration of the VALCO Dependent Clinic, which had been dormant for two decades, stating the facility has been revived to serve employees, their families, and the general public.
He emphasized that these are not “cosmetic improvements” but a signal that productivity and staff welfare must go hand-in-hand.
Concluding his address, Dr. Sambian praised the workforce for their resilience and professionalism.
He assured employees that his administration would be built on the non-negotiable principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity.
”Performances will be recognized, discipline will be applied justly, and every member of the VALCO family will be treated with dignity and respect,” he concluded.
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