The Federal Government has approved the proposed development of the King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, subject to the fulfilment of 11 regulatory, environmental and technical conditions.
The approval was conveyed through a letter dated October 26, 2026, from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, Executive Director of Royal Fouche Services Limited, the company behind the proposed project.
The approval followed an application submitted by the company and a site inspection conducted by a ministerial technical team between September 2 and 4, 2026.
Among the conditions set by the ministry is the preparation of a comprehensive Airport Master Plan outlining the proposed development phases, facilities and supporting infrastructure.
The developers must also address a canal running through the proposed airport site. They are required to submit an engineering assessment to determine whether the canal should be diverted, realigned or crossed through an appropriate bridge or other structure.
The ministry further requested detailed hydrological, hydraulic and drainage studies to assess potential flooding, tidal influences, seasonal water movements and stormwater management at the location.
Other requirements include a comprehensive geotechnical investigation, topographical and obstacle surveys, and a wind analysis and meteorological assessment in consultation with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The project promoters must also provide reliable, all-weather road access to support airport construction, daily operations, emergency response and the movement of passengers and cargo.
In addition, the developers are expected to comply with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations, conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment, undertake other necessary environmental studies and pay all applicable statutory fees.
The ministry also stipulated continuous technical supervision by relevant government agencies to ensure that the project meets the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
A copy of the approval letter has been forwarded to the NCAA, while Royal Fouche Services Limited has been directed to liaise with the agency on the next steps.
Reacting to the development, Princewill expressed confidence in the team and stakeholders involved in the project, including government officials, aviation regulators and traditional institutions in the Kalabari area.
He assured the people that the project would follow due process and that relevant stakeholders would be carried along.
According to him, the proposed airport is only one part of broader development plans for the area.
