The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the proposed development of King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko, in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, marking a major milestone for the planned aviation project in the Kalabari area.
The approval was conveyed by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in a letter dated October 26, 2026, addressed to the Executive Director of Royal Fouche Services Limited, Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill.
The letter, signed by the Director of the Aerodrome Development Department, Engr. P.T. Vembe, on behalf of the Honourable Minister, followed an application submitted by the company on June 25, 2026, and a technical inspection of the proposed airport site recently conducted by a ministerial team from September 2 to 4, 2026.
The Ministry identified the proposed location by its geographical coordinates as latitude 4°23’21.7″N and longitude 7°00’52.2″E.
However, the approval is subject to the fulfilment of 11 technical, environmental, infrastructural and regulatory requirements prescribed by the Ministry before the project can proceed in accordance with applicable aviation standards.
Among the conditions is the submission of a comprehensive Airport Master Plan outlining the proposed development, construction phases, facilities and supporting infrastructure. The developer is also required to comply with the relevant regulations of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), alongside all applicable environmental laws and standards.
The Ministry further stipulated the payment of statutory fees, the conduct of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a detailed topographical and obstacle survey, and a comprehensive geotechnical investigation to establish the suitability of the proposed site for airport infrastructure.
Specific attention was also drawn to the area’s environmental and geographical conditions. The developer is required to undertake detailed hydrological, hydraulic and drainage studies to assess potential flooding, tidal influences, seasonal water movements and stormwater management needs.
Additionally, an engineering assessment must be conducted on the canal traversing the proposed airport site to determine an appropriate solution, which may involve diverting or realigning the canal or constructing a suitable bridge or other crossing structure.
The Ministry also made the provision of reliable, all-weather road access to the airport a requirement, noting its importance for construction activities, airport operations, emergency services, and passenger and cargo transportation.
Other conditions include a formal wind rose analysis and a detailed meteorological assessment in consultation with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
To ensure compliance throughout the project, the Ministry directed that it and its relevant agencies remain involved at every stage of development. This oversight is intended to ensure adherence to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), and other applicable statutory requirements.
The Ministry confirmed that a copy of the approval letter had been forwarded to the NCAA and instructed Royal Fouche Services Limited to liaise with the agency on the implementation process.
The approval constitutes an important administrative step towards the realisation of the proposed King Amachree Airport in Elem Ifoko.
When realised, the airport would provide an additional aviation infrastructure asset for the Kalabari area and the wider Niger Delta, with its eventual contribution depending on the project’s implementation, operational approvals and supporting infrastructure.
Alabo Daerefa-a Christopher Braide, Spokesman and Chief Press Secretary to the Amanyanabo of the Source (Elem Kalabari, Torusaramapiri).
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