The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has deployed a Mobile Control Tower at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in a swift response to a recent fire incident that disrupted critical air-ground communication systems at the old terminal.

The development, which comes as part of emergency contingency measures, is aimed at ensuring the continuity of safe and efficient air navigation services at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.

During an on-site inspection of the facility, the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Terese Ihenacho, said the deployment represents a significant operational milestone, adding that all necessary tests had been completed and air traffic controllers were ready to commence full operations.

She noted that the mobile tower had been reconfigured to suit Nigeria’s operational environment, incorporating local innovations such as a smart strip system alongside traditional manual processes to enhance efficiency and safety.

According to her, the tower now has improved connectivity with key aviation systems, including Centrex and TRACON, marking a step forward in modern air traffic management in the country.

Ihenacho also revealed that NAMA is planning to deploy a second mobile control tower to serve Runway 18R, in collaboration with stakeholders including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

She explained that the mobile tower forms part of NAMA’s broader resilience strategy, designed as a backup system to prevent disruptions during infrastructure upgrades or unforeseen incidents.

To support operations, the agency has installed additional infrastructure, including solar-powered lighting, reinforced structural support, backup power systems and CCTV surveillance to enhance security at the temporary site.

The agency also said it is working to improve welfare conditions for air traffic controllers and technical staff operating the facility, as part of efforts to maintain optimal service delivery.

NAMA commended its personnel for their dedication, describing them as “heroes” for working under difficult conditions to restore normal operations, and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety, efficiency and stability within Nigeria’s airspace