The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has swiftly deployed a Mobile Control Tower at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following a recent fire outbreak that disrupted critical air-ground communication systems at the old terminal.
The rapid intervention is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted air navigation services at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub, reinforcing operational stability and safety in the aftermath of the incident.
Speaking during an on-site inspection of the newly installed facility, the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Terese Ihenacho, described the deployment as a significant operational milestone.
She emphasised that the move reflects NAMA’s resilience and unwavering commitment to maintaining safe and efficient air traffic operations despite unforeseen challenges.
“As you can see, the Mobile Tower is fully operational and serviceable. All necessary test runs have been successfully completed, and air traffic controllers are ready to commence operations at any moment,” she stated.
Ihenacho further disclosed that the mobile control tower had undergone extensive reconfiguration to align with Nigeria’s unique operational requirements.
According to her, local innovations have been incorporated to enhance both efficiency and safety, including the integration of a smart strip system alongside the traditional manual strip—a development she described as a forward-looking step in modern air traffic management.
“The way it was manufactured is not the way we are using it. We have restructured it to suit our local peculiarities. There is now seamless connectivity to Centrex and TRACON, which did not exist before. This is part of our innovation to meet global standards,” she explained.
In a proactive bid to strengthen redundancy and operational safety, NAMA has also finalised plans to deploy a second Mobile Control Tower to service Runway 18R.
However, Ihenacho noted that the precise location of the additional tower would be determined in collaboration with key aviation stakeholders, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), as well as air traffic controllers, to ensure optimal positioning for safety and efficiency.
She clarified that the deployment forms part of NAMA’s broader contingency and resilience framework, originally designed as a backup solution to mitigate disruptions arising from infrastructure upgrades or environmental challenges affecting the main control tower.
Beyond the technical rollout, NAMA has implemented additional support infrastructure at the temporary site. These include enhanced solar-powered lighting systems, reinforced structural bracing to withstand adverse environmental conditions, supplementary power supply arrangements, and comprehensive security coverage featuring CCTV surveillance.
Ihenacho also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the welfare and working conditions of air traffic controllers and technical personnel operating from the temporary facility. She disclosed that discussions are underway with relevant authorities to provide essential amenities and support services.
Commending the dedication of NAMA personnel, she described them as “heroes” who worked tirelessly under demanding conditions, often at personal risk, to restore operational stability.
The successful deployment of the Mobile Control Tower, she added, underscores the agency’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.
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