(DDM) – The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has deployed a Mobile Control Tower at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos following a recent fire incident that damaged critical air-ground communication infrastructure at the airport’s old terminal.
The deployment is part of emergency aviation recovery measures aimed at ensuring uninterrupted flight operations and maintaining safe air navigation services at Nigeria’s busiest international airport.
Officials confirmed that the mobile tower is already fully operational and capable of supporting air traffic control activities at the facility.
The development comes weeks after a fire outbreak disrupted key communication equipment used for managing aircraft movements at the airport.
Authorities said the new tower would help restore operational stability while longer-term infrastructure solutions are being developed.
During an inspection of the facility, the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services at NAMA, Engineer Terese Ihenacho, confirmed that the mobile control tower had completed all necessary operational tests.
She explained that the system is fully functional and ready for immediate deployment by air traffic controllers.
According to Ihenacho, all test runs required to ensure operational safety were successfully completed before the tower was approved for use.
She added that aviation personnel are prepared to commence operations at any time without disruptions to airline services.
The official also commended the technical team responsible for the project, noting that the facility was delivered within a very short time frame despite operational challenges.
NAMA also revealed plans to deploy a second mobile control tower at the airport to further strengthen operational resilience.
The proposed additional tower will specifically serve Runway 18R, one of the major runways used for aircraft take-off and landing at the Lagos airport.
Authorities explained that the exact location of the second tower will be determined through consultations with aviation regulators and other stakeholders.
These stakeholders include the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The collaboration aims to ensure that the final siting of the tower meets global aviation safety standards.
Industry experts say such coordination is necessary to align airport operations with guidelines established by international aviation bodies.
These include the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
According to NAMA officials, the mobile control tower has also undergone significant technical modifications to adapt it to Nigeria’s specific operational environment.
Ihenacho explained that the system was reconfigured to suit local conditions and enhance efficiency within the Nigerian airspace management framework.
She noted that the tower now has seamless connectivity with Centrex and TRACON, systems used for coordinating air traffic control communications.
The improved integration is expected to enhance coordination between different air traffic control units responsible for monitoring aircraft movements.
The tower also incorporates a smart strip system that complements the traditional manual air traffic control process.
Aviation specialists say such technology helps controllers track aircraft more efficiently while improving operational safety.
Officials further revealed that the facility is equipped with additional safety and reliability features.
These include solar-powered lighting systems, backup power units, reinforced structural components, and closed-circuit television surveillance.
The installations are designed to ensure that operations can continue even under challenging environmental or technical conditions.
NAMA explained that the deployment of mobile towers forms part of a broader contingency strategy to handle unexpected disruptions in aviation infrastructure.
Such contingency plans are particularly important at major airports where operational delays can affect hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers.
Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport is Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub and handles a significant share of the country’s domestic and international air traffic.
Any disruption to control tower operations at the airport could therefore have serious implications for airline schedules and passenger safety.
Officials emphasised that the rapid deployment of the mobile tower demonstrates the agency’s ability to respond swiftly to emergencies in the aviation sector.
Ihenacho also praised the dedication of NAMA personnel who worked under demanding conditions to complete the project.
She described the technical staff involved in the installation as “heroes” who ensured that flight operations could continue without major disruptions.
The agency also disclosed that efforts are being made to improve welfare conditions for personnel working at the facility.
Providing better working conditions and essential amenities is expected to enhance staff efficiency and morale.
Aviation analysts say the latest development highlights the growing importance of resilient infrastructure within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
They believe proactive investments in backup systems and emergency response facilities will help strengthen operational stability across the country’s airports.
Airlines and passengers are expected to benefit from the improved safety measures as the aviation sector continues to recover from infrastructure challenges.
