Amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are turning to home-cooked meals as a more cost-effective alternative to eating out. Many individuals who previously relied on restaurants due to busy schedules now find themselves unable to sustain the financial burden of dining out, citing skyrocketing food prices.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, residents shared their experiences and reasons for making the switch. Miss Favour Joshua, a working professional, highlighted how her daily routine of eating out became unsustainable. “I used to eat out daily because of my job, but I soon realized I was spending nearly N30,000 each month, which is half of my salary,” she said.

Favour has since decided to cook at home, explaining that the same amount spent at restaurants could purchase enough food to last her an entire month. “If I take N30,000 to the market, I can buy foodstuff that will last me for a month, especially since I live alone. Now, I prepare my meals at home and take them to work to reduce my expenses,” she added.

Mr. Zackariah Ezra, another resident, echoed Favour’s sentiments, citing the dramatic increase in food prices at eateries. According to him, what used to cost N800 for a meal now demands as much as N4,000. “The last time I tried eating out, I spent N4,000 for a plate of food, which used to cost only N800,” he explained. Like Favour, he has transitioned to cooking at home, finding it much more affordable.

Similarly, Gabriel Ajayi, a student, has also turned to home-cooked meals, finding that buying foodstuff in bulk allows him to stretch his budget further. The rising cost of living has made it difficult for individuals like him to continue dining out regularly.

Miss Elizabeth Akinmuleya, a businesswoman and mother, also praised home cooking as a smart financial move, especially for families. “For large families, cooking at home is more economical. You can save food and ingredients for future meals, which is a major advantage,” she said. Elizabeth noted that eating out has become a luxury rather than a routine, as the cost of dining at restaurants has risen dramatically. “Even if you used to eat out twice a week, things are different now. It’s way too expensive,” she added.

However, not everyone is embracing the home-cooking trend. Mr. Ayobami Adedokun and Mr. Clement Awoyi, both residents of the FCT, prefer the convenience of eating out despite the rising prices. They argue that the difference in cost between preparing meals at home and eating out is minimal, considering the time and effort saved. “For me, it’s about convenience and variety. After a long day, I’d rather pay a little extra for the convenience of not having to cook,” said Ayobami.