Nigeria fitness and wellness sector is calling for lower import duties on fitness, exercise, gym, sports and spa equipment, arguing that access to such products should be treated as a public health priority rather than a luxury consumption issue.
Sir Goodluck Obi, Chairman of Gategold Fitness Company Limited, said the current cost structure has made fitness equipment less accessible to many Nigerians, limiting the ability of households, gyms and community facilities to support regular exercise. He noted that as sedentary lifestyles become a growing health concern worldwide, governments are increasingly expected to view fitness infrastructure as part of preventive healthcare.
According to Obi, reducing import duties would help lower retail prices, expand access across different income groups, and encourage more Nigerians to adopt healthier routines. He emphasized that regular physical activity can support productivity, reduce preventable health risks, and ease pressure on healthcare systems over the long term.
Obi also pointed to frequent reports of sudden collapses and lifestyle-related health incidents, saying poor access to fitness facilities may be one of the contributing factors. He urged policymakers to recognize that fitness equipment plays a practical role in improving public health outcomes, particularly in emerging markets where affordability remains a major barrier.
Gategold Fitness, which supplies and installs fitness equipment for homes and public gyms across Nigeria, said it has introduced discounts, flexible payment options, free installation services, affordable spare parts and access to trained fitness instructors as part of its customer support and corporate responsibility efforts.
The appeal reflects a broader global discussion around preventive health, active lifestyles and the role of fitness infrastructure in national wellness strategies. For Nigeria, lowering duties on fitness-related equipment could not only support public health goals but also stimulate growth in the local fitness, wellness and sports retail market.
