Air traffic controllers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos have been compelled to transfer from the terminal building tower to a mobile tower near Caverton Helicopters.
On Wednesday, a fire broke out in the MMIA’s baggage hall. The fire, which erupted about 8 a.m., forced a temporary evacuation of passengers and airport personnel from the flagship airport.
In a later statement, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria verified the occurrence.
The statement, issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, read, “At approximately 0723 hours this morning, a suspected electrical spark at the baggage hall ceiling caused the smoke incident that was reported at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, located in Ikeja, Lagos.
“The source of the smoke was identified as a burning lithium inverter battery installation at the basement.
“Promptly responding to the situation at 0730hrs the dedicated firefighters from the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the Electrical Department of the authority initiated immediate action. Their swift response and professional efforts have successfully brought the situation under control.
“In accordance with our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of passengers, staff, and all airport users, the terminal building was promptly evacuated due to the smoke that had permeated some areas of the facility. We are pleased to report that the situation is presently under control.”
According to officials, the fire damaged some cables, causing a blackout in the control tower. As a result, it was discovered that the ATC officers would continue to operate from the mobile tower until the problem was fixed.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s Director of Media, Khalid Emene, confirmed that the ATC officials had been shifted to a mobile tower, but stressed that this was a standard preventative action during an emergency.
He said, “The fire did not affect the control tower in any way. If there is an incident, the normal thing is to evacuate people from the building.”
Asked when ATC officers would relocate back to the terminal building tower, Emene said, “The good thing is that FAAN handled the situation quickly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the tower. It is an operational issue. The equipment and tower is okay. I will confirm when they will be back on the tower and let you know.”
He added, “Our flight services have not been affected. Airplanes have been landing and taking off without any accident. The essence of having a mobile tower is because of emergency. We at the Nigerian Airspace Management will ensure safety which is the most important thing.”
