By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has deployed the two recently acquired N1.7 billion automated mobile air traffic control towers to Lagos and Abuja airports as part of measures to boost air safety in the country.
The state-of-the-art equipment will enhance good backup for conventional towers. Mobile air traffic control tower serves for navigation and air traffic control at provisional air stripes and other airports that do not have an air control tower.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, disclosed that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) had been proactive in the matter concerning air safety in the country and the towers would further strengthen its delivery.
The Minister said that the investment, among others, into air safety, was rarely noticed by the public, but President Muhammadu Buhari had been committed to improving air safety, hence the approval of N1.7 billion for the purchase of the equipment.
Mr Sirika said: “The two mobile towers we are opening 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 airports but they can be deployed to any airstrip or airport that lacks a control tower. They are equipped with real-time information system like weather, overflight to ensure smooth operations.”
On his part, the Managing Director of NAMA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu said the two towers were acquired from France, even as two more are being expected. He said the equipment would be a good replacement for the control tower at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which is scheduled for rehabilitation
NAMA last procured a mobile tower 26 years ago and the system had since packed up. A functional mobile tower provides emergency deployment where there are no fixed towers.
The mobile or modular tower is 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.
