The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has swiftly deployed a Mobile Control Tower at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) following a recent fire incident that disrupted critical air-to-ground communication systems at the old terminal.
During an on-site inspection, the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Engr. Terese Ihenacho, described the deployment as a major operational breakthrough, underscoring the agency’s resilience and firm commitment to maintaining safe and efficient air navigation services at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
She praised the technical expertise and dedication of NAMA personnel, noting that their efforts ensured the rapid installation and readiness of the facility.
“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”, Ihenacho stated.
She further disclosed that the mobile tower had been reconfigured to suit Nigeria’s specific operational needs, incorporating innovative features to boost efficiency and safety. Among these is the integration of a smart strip system alongside the conventional manual system, reflecting a progressive approach to 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 move to strengthen operational redundancy, NAMA is also finalising plans to deploy a second Mobile Control Tower to service Runway 18R. The final siting, she noted, will be determined in collaboration with key aviation stakeholders, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, as well as air traffic controllers.
Ihenacho emphasised that the mobile tower deployment is part of NAMA’s broader contingency and resilience framework designed to ensure uninterrupted operations during infrastructure challenges or upgrades to the main control tower.
To support operations at the temporary facility, the agency has installed additional infrastructure, including solar-powered lighting, reinforced structural supports, backup power systems, and enhanced security with CCTV surveillance.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve working conditions for air traffic controllers and technical personnel at the site, with discussions underway to provide essential amenities and support services.
Commending the commitment of NAMA staff, Ihenacho described them as “heroes” who worked under demanding and risky conditions to restore operational stability, adding that the successful deployment reinforces the agency’s dedication to maintaining the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace.