MTN Nigeria has firmly dismissed speculations surrounding a possible reevaluation of its lease agreement for 2,500 tower sites with American Tower Corporation (ATC). Responding to reports hinting at a potential counteroffer from former contractor IHS, MTN released an official statement on Tuesday reiterating its steadfast commitment to the existing agreement with ATC. The telecommunications giant emphasized that the contract with ATC was secured through a competitive bidding process and categorically denied entertaining any offers from IHS.
The initial announcement of the lease agreement with ATC, made by MTN Nigeria in September, marked a significant move for the company, drawing attention due to the competitive nature of the bidding process. MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, dismissed recent reports as false and clarified that the ATC proposal was superior, having undergone rigorous governance approvals.
Addressing concerns about network disruption and environmental impact, Okigbo refuted allegations, asserting that tower transfers between infrastructure companies do not necessarily lead to disruptions. He expressed confidence in ATC’s plans for a seamless transition and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
Okigbo highlighted MTN’s focus on expense efficiencies, sustainability, and environmental responsibility through its partnership with ATC, setting the stage for a new era of connectivity in Nigeria. The statement concluded with Okigbo emphasizing ATC’s commitment to green operations, contributing to MTN’s pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions. The partnership is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, countering claims of harmful environmental impact.
MTN Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the ATC deal signifies a strategic move towards sustainable practices and partnerships in the evolving tech landscape, reinforcing the company’s dedication to connectivity and environmental responsibility.
