FG Approves Development Of King Amachree Airport In Rivers
The Federal Government has approved the proposed development and construction of King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, subject to the fulfilment of specified technical, environmental and regulatory requirements.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated October 26, 2026, with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.101/C.1/1/88 and 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 several conditions that must be met before the project can proceed through the required stages of 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 Federal Government also directed the project proponents to comply with all applicable Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations, environmental laws and standards. This includes conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other relevant environmental studies, as well as paying all applicable statutory fees.
The conditions further require a detailed topographical and obstacle survey referenced to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84), alongside a comprehensive geotechnical investigation to establish the site’s subsurface conditions, soil-bearing capacity, groundwater characteristics and suitability for the proposed airport infrastructure.
In view of the site’s physical characteristics, the government also mandated detailed hydrological, hydraulic and drainage studies to evaluate potential flooding risks, tidal influences, seasonal water movements and stormwater management.
The proponents are additionally required to conduct an engineering assessment of the canal traversing the proposed airport site to determine the most appropriate solution. Possible options include diverting or realigning the canal or constructing a suitable bridge or other crossing structure.
The Federal Government also stressed the need for reliable, all-weather road access to the airport to facilitate construction activities, operational requirements, emergency response and the movement of passengers and cargo.
As part of the aviation safety and planning requirements, the project proponents must submit a formal wind rose analysis and a detailed meteorological assessment in consultation with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its relevant agencies are also expected to participate throughout the various stages of the project to provide technical oversight and ensure compliance with international and national aviation standards.
These include the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) and other applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
The approval marks a step towards the proposed establishment of the King Amachree Airport in Rivers State, although the project remains subject to the fulfilment of the conditions specified by the Federal Government.
