Nigeria's Etisalat has sold 2,136 of its mobile towers to IHS Holding Limited (IHS) as part of strategy to improve the quality of its network performance.

Etisalat is Nigeria's third largest mobile operator with some 19 million customers.

And according to a statement, Etisalat's move to have its towers managed by IHS will not only improve the telcos' network but also accelerate the roll out of its 2G and 3G coverage.

In the statement it was further noted that the deal is planned to promote network sharing, sustain reliable mobile services, lower overall costs and encourage a cleaner environment through reduced diesel usage and increased investments in alternative energy solutions.

The deal is expected to close later this year, the statement noted.

Matthew Willsher, chief executive officer of Etisalat Nigeria, said, “Continued demand for mobile connectivity along with increased consumption of data requires reliable and effective networks that are also cost efficient for network operators.”

"The decision to sell our passive infrastructure to an experienced commercial partner, such as IHS, is part of our strategy to increase network coverage and capacity which is already rated number one for quality of service by the Nigerian Communications Commission,” said Willsher.

IHS chief executive officer, Issam Darwish, also added, “We are delighted to have been trusted by Etisalat Nigeria with their passive network infrastructure… .This partnership will provide significant long-term benefits to Etisalat Nigeria, allowing them to focus entirely on marketing new customer propositions to a wider market.”

Upon the conclusion of this transaction, IHS will own and manage over 6,540 towers in Nigeria.