The agency confirmed the successful deployment of a fully functional Mobile Control Tower as part of its emergency response strategy to maintain uninterrupted air navigation services at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.
During an inspection of the installation, the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Terese Ihenacho, described the development as a major operational milestone. She emphasized that the move reflects NAMA’s resilience and firm commitment to ensuring safe and efficient air traffic management despite unforeseen disruptions.
According to her, the mobile tower has undergone extensive testing and is ready for immediate use by air traffic controllers. She also praised the technical expertise and dedication of agency personnel who worked under pressure to deliver the project within a short timeframe.
Beyond its standard configuration, the system has been adapted to suit Nigeria’s operational environment. Ihenacho disclosed that local modifications have enhanced its functionality, including the integration of a smart strip system alongside traditional manual processes—an innovation aimed at improving efficiency while aligning with global best practices.
She further noted that the upgraded system now offers seamless connectivity to key operational units such as Centrex and TRACON, capabilities that were not originally part of the tower’s design.
In a bid to strengthen operational redundancy, NAMA has finalized plans to deploy a second Mobile Control Tower to serve Runway 18R. The exact location, however, will be determined in collaboration with major aviation stakeholders, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, as well as air traffic control teams.
The deployment forms part of a broader contingency framework designed to ensure continuity of operations during infrastructure upgrades or emergencies affecting the main control tower.
Additional support systems have also been put in place at the site, including solar-powered lighting, reinforced structural components to withstand environmental stress, backup power supply, and enhanced security through CCTV surveillance.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to improve working conditions for personnel at the temporary facility, with discussions underway to provide essential amenities and welfare support for staff.
Ihenacho commended NAMA workers for their commitment, describing their efforts as critical to restoring operational stability. She stressed that the successful rollout of the Mobile Control Tower underscores the agency’s dedication to maintaining safety and efficiency across Nigeria’s airspace.