The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has granted formal approval for the construction of the proposed King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated October 26, 2026, addressed to the Executive Director of Royal Fouche Services Limited, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, the promoters of the project.
The airport site is located at Latitude 4°23’21.7″ N and Longitude 7°00’52.2″ E.
According to the Ministry, the approval followed a request by Royal Fouche Services Limited and a site inspection and assessment carried out by the Ministerial Technical Team between September 2 and September 4, 2026.
The Ministry said the approval is subject to conditions to ensure compliance with national and international aviation standards, including submission of a comprehensive Airport Master Plan detailing development, phasing and facilities, strict adherence to Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) requirements, compliance with environmental laws including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), payment of all statutory fees, and provision of detailed topographical, obstacle, geotechnical, hydrological and meteorological assessments.
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It also said there would be continuous technical oversight throughout the project to guarantee adherence to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
A copy of the approval letter has been forwarded to the NCAA, with the developers directed to liaise with the agency for implementation.
Reacting to the development, Princewill said the project is making steady progress.
“We are making remarkable progress even by the best standards and I’m not at all surprised when you look at all of the people involved.
“From the President to the Minister to the NCAA all the way to the Amanyanabo of the Source, Amanyanapus of Ifoko, Fouchee and Elem Ifoko and the Royal Fouchee team we’ve assembled,” he said.
“To us a day is 24 hours of opportunity for us to make a difference and we assure the Kalabari people that we will make them proud. Speed however will not be an excuse for circumventing process.
“We will carry every stakeholder along and make sure all reasonable voices are heard. The airport is just the tip of the iceberg. Our plans are far bigger than a single project,” Princewill added.
The project, once completed, is expected to boost connectivity, commerce and development in Kalabari and Rivers State at large.
