Arco Worldwide Services, in partnership with Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has inaugurated Nigeria’s first commercial Mobile Drone Operations Command Centre (MDOC) at NLNG’s Corporate Head Office in Port Harcourt.
Developed by Arco Worldwide Services, the MDOC is a milestone in applying advanced aerospace technology to protect national infrastructure and enhance drone operations.
Managing Director of Arco, Okosubide Mozimo, said the initiative reflects years of collaboration with NLNG, beginning in 2020 when drone operations were largely nomadic and manual.
Mozimo explained that setting up ground control stations daily took up to 90 minutes, causing fatigue, equipment wear, and reduced operational efficiency, leading to the development of the MDOC.
He described the MDOC as a retrofitted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, equipped with climate control, solar-powered inverters, and a triple-monitor control panel for seamless communication with air traffic control.
Chief Operating Officer Ann Temidara highlighted that while drones are globally procured, all customisation, integration, and operational optimisation were performed by Nigerian engineers to meet local requirements.
Chief Technical Officer Sunday Idajili added that the MDOC solved the “Last Mile” connectivity gap, streaming real-time aerial surveillance via Low Earth Orbit satellites even in remote areas.
The Sky Whale VTOL drone deployed from MDOC boasts a three-hour endurance and a 60km operational range, enabling continuous monitoring of NLNG pipelines without frequent battery swaps.
Idajili noted that the system runs entirely on green energy, integrating solar panels, energy-efficient ground support, and inverter systems, reducing environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency.
Inaugurating the project on behalf of NLNG, GM Corporate Services Ekeinde Ohiwerei praised the initiative as a demonstration of Nigerian content, local talent, and world-class operational standards.
MDOC and the Sky Whale drone are now fully operational and ready for immediate deployment across NLNG’s facilities, strengthening infrastructure security and pipeline monitoring.
