NAMA Deploys Mobile Control Tower at Lagos Airport Following Fire Incident
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has successfully deployed a mobile control tower at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, nearly a month after a fire incident severely damaged the airport's Old Terminal. This strategic move aims to restore and enhance air navigation services at Nigeria's busiest aviation hub, ensuring operational continuity and safety.
Response to Fire Disaster and Operational Milestone
The fire disaster, which occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, engulfed the MMIA Old Terminal, destroying critical air-to-ground facilities managed by NAMA. According to Farouk Umar, the Managing Director of NAMA, the agency had initially promised to deploy the mobile control tower by Friday, February 27, 2026, but faced delays in the process. During an on-site inspection, Terese Ihenacho, Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services at NAMA, highlighted that this deployment marks a significant operational milestone for the agency.
Ihenacho emphasized NAMA's resilience and unwavering commitment to maintaining safe and efficient air navigation services. She praised the dedication and technical expertise of NAMA personnel, whose efforts ensured the timely delivery and operational readiness of the mobile tower. "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 stated.
Innovations and Local Adaptations
The mobile control tower has been reconfigured to meet Nigeria's unique operational demands, incorporating local innovations that enhance efficiency and safety. Notably, it integrates a smart strip system alongside traditional manual strips, reflecting a forward-looking approach to modern air traffic management. Ihenacho explained, "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."
Future Plans and Strategic Collaboration
In addition to the current deployment, NAMA has concluded arrangements to deploy a second mobile control tower to service Runway 18R at the same airport. Ihenacho noted that the siting of this additional tower will be determined in collaboration with key aviation stakeholders, including air traffic controllers, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), to ensure optimal safety positioning.
This deployment is part of NAMA's broader contingency and resilience strategy, originally designed as a backup solution to mitigate potential disruptions from infrastructure upgrades or environmental constraints affecting the main control tower.
Enhanced Support Infrastructure and Staff Welfare
Beyond the technical deployment, NAMA has implemented critical support infrastructure at the site, including:
- Enhanced lighting powered by solar energy.
- Reinforced structural bracing to withstand environmental conditions.
- Additional power supply systems.
- Comprehensive security coverage with CCTV surveillance.
Ihenacho also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve the welfare and working conditions of air traffic controllers and technical staff operating at the temporary facility. Discussions are underway with relevant authorities to provide essential amenities and support services, ensuring a conducive work environment.
This proactive response by NAMA underscores its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria's aviation infrastructure and maintaining high standards of air traffic management, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
