IHS Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria have sealed a deal that positions the third-largest telecom operator in Nigeria to acquire 3,950 tenancies over the next five years.
The majority of those acquisitions are anticipated in 2024 and 2025, with an extension until 2031 for existing tenancies covering approximately 6,000 sites.
According to a statement from the firms, the agreement comprises 2,500 collocations, 5G amendments, and the creation of built-to-suit sites owned and operated by IHS Nigeria.
They noted that the deal simply meant Airtel would be installing and operating its network equipment in locations owned by HIS.
Instead of constructing and maintaining its infrastructure, Airtel is opting to leverage IHS’s established facilities for five years.
The Chairman of IHS Towers, Sam Darwish, said, “The expansion and renewal of our relationship with Airtel Nigeria is a testament to our continued commitment to serving our customers and the connectivity demands of Africa.
“Airtel Nigeria, as well as Airtel Africa, whom we serve in other markets in Africa, has been a long-term partner of IHS, and I am delighted that we continue to strengthen our collaboration to help facilitate mobile connectivity in our largest market, supporting our customers in rolling out new sites throughout Nigeria.”