MTN Nigeria has said the lease of its 2,500 towers to American Tower Corporation would not cause network disruption in the country.
This is as the firm stated that its award of tower contract to ATC for 2,500 site was final. Earlier in the month, IHS Holding stated that the lease of the 2,500 towers it lost to ATC could cause network disruption in Nigeria.
According to the firm, it tried to offer improved commercial terms to MTN Nigeria. IHS Towers Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sam Darwish, said, “IHS has offered improved commercial terms on the 2,500 towers to close the gap (between the offers) as our main aim is to prevent network disruption in Nigeria.”
In a statement, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, said, “Such allegations are factually incorrect and misleading. Tower transfers between two infrastructure companies do not necessarily lead to network disruption.”
He added, “Through our partnership with ATC, we are setting the stage for a new era of connectivity in Nigeria, one that not only meets the growing demands of our customers but also aligns with our focus on expense efficiencies, commitment to sustainability, and environmental responsibility.”
The firm noted that while IHS Towers has claimed to offer it improved terms for the lease of the 2,500 sites, it has yet to receive any such offer. It stated that the lease of the sites was awarded to the winner during a fair and transparent procurement process.
Okigbo stated, “The agreement with ATC over the 2,500 sites is final, having gone through a rigorous process involving our highest governance approvals. Our preference is always for bilateral renewal, subject to competitive pricing and terms. In this instance the ATC proposal was superior.”
The firm noted that it will continue to engage with IHS on other opportunities. “Other opportunities for value optimisation will arise and we would undertake a similar exacting process. We are hopeful that participating parties including IHS will present a compelling proposition,” Okigbo added.
