IHS Holding, a leading tower operator, is trying to reclaim its lost deal with MTN Nigeria by offering improved terms to lease back 2,500 towers recently awarded to American Tower Corporation (ATC). IHS Chairman and CEO, Sam Darwish says it aims to aims to prevent potential network disruptions in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, but this may be a response to a potential loss of 14600 towers, currently leased to MTN.

MTN however, says its agreement with ATC is conclusive, and it will maintain bilateral discussions with multiple vendors such as the renewal of its other sites.

In a statement to Reuters, MTN said “Our preference is always for bilateral renewal, subject to competitive pricing and terms. In this instance the ATC proposal was superior”

MTN annouced it would replace 2500 sites held by IHS with American Towers Corporation, an IHS competitor after it did not get competitive rates from IHS. However, IHS still holds more than 80% of MTN’s towers.

MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola had promised periodic reviews of MTN’s tower contracts, to drive efficiency, and ensure optimal performance from vendors.