Nollywood actor Akah Nnani has publicly denounced the annual membership fees imposed by i-Fitness, a gym franchise with branches across Abuja, Ibadan, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. In a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the star of "Man of God" accused the establishment of deducting the dues from his bank account without his authorization. He expressed dissatisfaction with the ₦17,500 charge, which he pointed out was separate from the ₦24,890 monthly subscription fee he pays to utilize the gym's facilities in Gbagada, Lagos.
"I don't intend to be a member; I simply want to use the gym, and that's what I'm paying for. However, due to the gym having access to my card, they enforce membership dues on me and others," stated the AMAA nominee. Nnani highlighted the establishment's failure to clarify the purpose of the dues, whereas i-Fitness previously stated on its website that the dues contribute to necessary enhancements "such as replacing core and non-core equipment, refurbishing flooring, facility remodeling, ambiance improvements, and other advancements."
The company further emphasized that regular monthly subscriptions are insufficient to sustain and continuously upgrade the facilities, and thus, the annual dues aid in delivering an enhanced standard of services.
In his video, Nnani asserted that the franchise prioritizes revenue generation from its clientele, and lamented about the "poor or outdated" equipment. He also expressed frustration with the Gbagada gym being "overcrowded," rendering it impossible for him to exercise at the time of recording the video in his car.
"Cease exploiting people. I have numerous grievances — ranging from how you treat your staff, the fees you extract from your gym instructors, to your profit-centric business model that neglects people's well-being," he voiced.
The actor concluded the video by demanding that i-Fitness refund the ₦17,500 debited from his account.
