President Tinubu Approves New Airport For State
President Tinubu Approves New Airport For State
The Federal Government has approved the development of the proposed King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The approval was communicated in a letter dated October 26, 2026, from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The letter was signed by Engr. P. T. Vembe, Director of the Aerodrome Development Department, on behalf of the aviation minister, and addressed to Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, Executive Director of Royal Fouche Services Limited, the company seeking approval for the project.
The decision followed an application submitted on June 25, 2026, and an inspection of the proposed site by a ministerial technical team between September 2 and 4, 2026.
However, the approval came with 11 conditions that the developers must satisfy to ensure the airport meets the required aviation, engineering and environmental standards.
One of the major requirements concerns a canal running through the proposed airport site. The ministry directed the developers to carry out an engineering assessment to determine whether the canal should be diverted, realigned or crossed through the construction of a suitable bridge.
The government also requested detailed studies on flooding, drainage systems, tidal movements and seasonal changes in water levels to determine how these factors could affect the proposed airport.
Another condition requires a comprehensive investigation of the ground to establish the strength of the soil, underground water conditions and the suitability of the location for airport infrastructure.
The developers must also prepare a detailed airport master plan showing the proposed facilities, construction stages and supporting infrastructure.
Other requirements include providing reliable all-weather road access to the airport to support construction, emergency services, airport operations and the movement of passengers and goods.
The ministry further directed the company to comply with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations and relevant environmental laws.
An Environmental Impact Assessment must also be conducted, while all applicable government fees must be paid.
The remaining requirements include a detailed survey of the land and possible obstacles around the airport, as well as a wind and weather assessment in consultation with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation also insisted on maintaining technical supervision throughout the different stages of the project to ensure compliance with Nigerian aviation regulations and international standards.
A copy of the approval letter was forwarded to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, with the developer directed to work with the agency on the implementation of the requirements.
