In its bid to boost air safety and seamless separation of aircraft in flight, the Federal Government has acquired two mobile air traffic control tower at the cost of N1.7b.
The new mobile tower is the first mobile tower in 26 years. The last one purchased over two decades ago had been overtaken by technology and no more working.
Mobile air traffic control tower serves for navigation and air traffic control at provisional air stripes and other airports that do not have air control tower.
Navigation is possible for various aircraft depending on the equipment installed, available radars and systems for air traffic control connectivity and interoperability.
Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, flanked by MD, NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, MD FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu and others at the commissioning of two mobile towers procured by the Federal Government
Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika who commissioned the expensive machines of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos NAMA had been proactive in the matter concerning air safety in the country.
He further stated that during unusual period of COVID-19 pandemic, the equipment is desirable.
The Minister reiterated that all of the moneies expended on air safety are monies many do not see physically, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari was very concerned about air safety: hence the reason he graciously approved funds for the purchase of the safety tools and others in the sector.
According to Sirika, “The two mobile towers we are commissioning today cost us N1.7b. The Federal Government has done this to improve and boost air safety. It helps us to land safely from point A to B.
“These equipment are for Lagos and Abuja airport but they can be deployed to any airstrip or airports that lack control tower. They are equipped with real time information system like weather, overflight to ensure smooth operations “.
New mobile air traffic tower acquired for NAMA
It would be recalled that NAMA last procured a mobile tower 26 years but the system had since packed up. A functional mobile tower provides emergency deployment where there are no fixed tower.
The mobile tower or modular are easily transportable self-contained modules configured off-site that provide elevated VCRs with equipment rooms, welfare and office facilities for temporary fits for smaller airports.
