The Federal Government has approved the development and construction of the proposed King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, subject to compliance with regulatory, environmental and engineering requirements.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated October 26, 2026, with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.101/C.1/1/88, addressed to the Executive Director of Royal Fouche Services Limited, Prince Tonye Princewill.
The letter, signed by the Director of the Aerodrome Development Department on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, outlined conditions the project proponents must fulfil before proceeding with the proposed airport development.
Among the requirements is the preparation and submission of a comprehensive airport master plan detailing the proposed facilities, construction phases and associated infrastructure.
The proponents are also required to comply with all applicable regulations of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), alongside relevant environmental laws and standards.
These include conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other necessary environmental studies, as well as paying all applicable statutory fees.
The government further stipulated that the project developers must submit a detailed topographical and obstacle survey referenced to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84).
A comprehensive geotechnical investigation is also required to establish the site’s subsurface conditions, soil-bearing capacity, groundwater characteristics and suitability for the proposed airport infrastructure.
In addition, the proponents must undertake detailed hydrological, hydraulic and drainage studies to evaluate potential flooding, tidal influences, seasonal water movements and stormwater management challenges at the proposed site.
The letter specifically addressed the canal traversing the proposed airport location, directing the developers to submit an engineering assessment to determine the most appropriate solution.
The assessment is expected to establish whether the canal should be diverted or realigned, or whether a suitable bridge or other crossing structure should be constructed to accommodate the proposed development.
The Federal Government also made the provision of reliable, all-weather road access to the airport a condition for the project. Such access, it said, would be necessary to facilitate construction, airport operations, emergency response and passenger movement.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its relevant agencies are to be involved throughout all stages of the airport’s development.
Their involvement is intended to provide technical oversight and ensure compliance with the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) and other applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
The approval marks a significant step towards the proposed establishment of the King Amachree Airport in Degema, although the project remains subject to the fulfilment of the conditions specified by the Federal Government.
