The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has refuted claims suggesting that it has delayed the deployment of a Mobile Control Tower at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, stating that the process is guided by strict aviation safety and engineering standards.
The agency issued the clarification following a newspaper report published on 13 March 2026 titled “Three Weeks After, NAMA Yet to Deploy Mobile Tower,” which implied that the aviation authority had failed to act promptly after the fire incident that affected the airport’s Aerodrome Control Tower.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa, NAMA said while the publication may have been driven by public concern, it did not take into account the technical requirements and safety procedures involved in installing aviation control infrastructure.
According to the agency, the fire incident at the Aerodrome Control Tower of MMIA prompted immediate action to ensure the continuity of air navigation services at the airport. NAMA said it swiftly activated contingency measures to maintain uninterrupted air traffic control operations while efforts to restore the damaged tower continue.
As part of the response strategy, the agency began arrangements to deploy a Mobile Control Tower that would temporarily support aerodrome control operations during the rehabilitation of the main tower facility.
However, NAMA emphasised that aviation infrastructure installations require careful planning and must comply with internationally recognised engineering standards, noting that the process cannot be rushed without risking operational safety.
The agency explained that a critical first step in installing the Mobile Control Tower was selecting a suitable location that would provide optimal visual coverage of the runway, taxiways and other strategic areas of the airfield. This visibility, it said, is essential for air traffic controllers to effectively monitor aircraft movements both on the ground and within the aerodrome environment.
After identifying the appropriate location, excavation and structural casting were required to create a stable foundation capable of supporting the tower structure. NAMA noted that such installations demand strong structural integrity to prevent operational hazards.
In line with engineering protocols, the foundation must undergo a curing process lasting at least 21 days before heavy equipment can be installed. The curing period allows the concrete base to gain the necessary strength and stability, preventing cracks, structural weakness or potential failure that could endanger aviation operations.
NAMA disclosed that during preparations to deploy the mobile tower, the project contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), advised against proceeding with installation until the foundation had fully stabilised.
The contractor warned that early installation could damage the structure and compromise the integrity of the entire project.
The agency said it followed the professional advice of the contractors in the interest of safety and in accordance with global engineering best practices.
“For aviation infrastructure, safety considerations must always take precedence over speed,” the agency stated, noting that the waiting period is a technical requirement rather than a delay.
Despite the damage to the main control tower, NAMA assured the aviation community that air traffic control operations at MMIA have continued without disruption. As an interim measure, the airport’s Fire Service Tower has been deployed as a temporary facility for Aerodrome Control operations.
The agency also confirmed that the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN), a key communications system used in aviation operations, has been fully restored and remains functional.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Aeronautical Information Service are currently operating from the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria complex (TRACON), ensuring that critical information services for pilots and aviation operators continue without interruption.
NAMA further stated that the Mobile Control Tower is already prepared for installation and will be deployed within days once the mandatory curing period for the foundation is completed.
Reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety, the agency stressed that every operational decision it takes is guided by international standards and the overriding objective of ensuring safe and efficient air navigation within Nigeria’s airspace.
The agency urged the public and stakeholders to view the process at MMIA as a demonstration of diligence and professionalism rather than inaction, emphasising that safety remains the cornerstone of aviation operations.
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