The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has successfully deployed a Mobile Control Tower at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in a swift response to the recent fire incident that damaged critical air-ground communication infrastructure at the airport’s old terminal.
Speaking during an on-site inspection, the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Engr. Terese Ihenacho, described the deployment as a major operational milestone, underscoring NAMA’s resilience and commitment to maintaining safe and efficient air navigation services at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.
“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 said.
Ihenacho disclosed that the mobile tower has been reconfigured to meet Nigeria’s unique operational environment, incorporating local innovations aimed at improving efficiency and safety. A key feature is the integration of a smart strip system alongside the traditional manual strip—demonstrating a transition toward modern air traffic management practices.
“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 further move to strengthen operational redundancy, NAMA has concluded plans to deploy a second Mobile Control Tower to service Runway 18R. The final location, however, will 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.
She emphasized that the deployment is part of NAMA’s broader contingency and resilience framework, designed as a backup system to prevent disruptions during infrastructure failures, upgrades, or environmental challenges affecting the main control tower.
To support operations, the agency has also installed critical infrastructure at the site, including solar-powered lighting, reinforced structural systems, additional power supply, and comprehensive CCTV security coverage.
Ihenacho further revealed that efforts are ongoing to improve the welfare and working conditions of personnel operating from the temporary facility, with discussions underway to provide essential amenities and support services.
Commending the dedication of NAMA staff, she described them as “heroes” who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions—often at personal risk—to restore operational stability.
The successful deployment of the Mobile Control Tower, she said, highlights the agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace.
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