FG approves King Amachree Airport in Rivers

From Fred Itua, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has granted formal approval for the development of the proposed King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, marking a significant step forward for the long-awaited project.

In a letter dated October 26, 2026, addressed to the Executive Director of Royal Fouche Services Limited, Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, the ministry conveyed the honourable minister’s approval for the aerodrome. The site is located at geographical coordinates Latitude 4°23’21.7″ N and Longitude 7°00’52.2″ E.

The approval follows a request submitted by Royal Fouche Services Limited and a subsequent site inspection and assessment carried out by the Ministerial Technical Team between September 2 and September 4, 2026. It is granted subject to a series of conditions designed to ensure full compliance with national and international aviation standards.

These include the preparation and submission of a comprehensive Airport Master Plan detailing development, phasing, facilities and associated infrastructure; strict adherence to all requirements of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); compliance with environmental laws through an Environmental Impact Assessment and related studies; payment of all statutory fees; and the provision of detailed topographical, obstacle, geotechnical, hydrological and meteorological assessments.

The ministry has also insisted on continuous technical oversight throughout the project to guarantee adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations and other relevant statutory requirements.

A copy of the letter has been forwarded to the NCAA, with the developers directed to liaise further with the agency for implementation.

Reacting to the development, Princewill expressed confidence in the collective effort driving the project.

“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.

“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,” he said.

The approval represents a major milestone for the Kalabari people and the wider Rivers State, with the project expected to open new avenues for connectivity, commerce and development once all stipulated conditions are fulfilled and construction begins.

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