Following the fire that disrupted operations at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, air traffic services are back on track as NAMA rolls out a fully operational Mobile Control Tower.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has deployed a Mobile Control Tower at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in a swift response to the Terminal One fire incident that affected key air-ground communication systems.
The agency said the move ensures uninterrupted air traffic control operations at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.
Speaking during an inspection of the facility, Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Mrs Terese Ihenacho, described the deployment as a major operational milestone and a clear demonstration of NAMA’s resilience.
She said the mobile tower is already fully functional, with all test runs completed and air traffic controllers set for immediate operations.
“As you can see, the Mobile Tower is fully operational and serviceable,” she said, adding that it has been reconfigured with local innovations to suit Nigeria’s specific aviation needs.
According to her, the system now includes a mix of smart and manual flight strip processes, as well as improved connectivity with Centrex and TRACON—features aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency.
She also revealed that plans have been concluded to deploy a second Mobile Control Tower to support operations at Runway 18R, in collaboration with key aviation stakeholders.
These include the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), among others.
Ihenacho explained that the mobile tower was originally designed as a backup system to ensure continuity during emergencies, infrastructure upgrades, or disruptions.
She added that additional support systems have been installed at the site, including solar-powered lighting, reinforced structures, backup power supply, CCTV surveillance, and enhanced security.
Beyond equipment, she said efforts are ongoing to improve welfare and working conditions for air traffic controllers operating at the temporary facility.
She commended NAMA staff for their dedication, describing them as “heroes” who worked under difficult conditions to restore stability to operations.
The deployment, she said, reflects NAMA’s broader commitment to safety, resilience, and uninterrupted air navigation services across Nigeria’s airspace.
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