Some residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decided to cook at home instead of eating out due to the current economic situation.
In separate interviews on Tuesday in Abuja with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), residents shared their views on the cost-effectiveness of eating at home versus eating out.
Miss Favour Joshua, a resident, said she used to eat out daily due to her job demands but realised she spent almost N30,000 monthly, equivalent to half her wages.
”If I take N30,000 to the market, I will buy some foodstuff that can last me for a month since I live alone.
”I have taken it upon myself to cook at home and take to work from now henceforth to reduce my expenses,” she said.
Mr Zackariah Ezra, another resident, also switched to home cooking due to the rising costs of eating out.
He noted that N4,000 could buy enough foodstuff for a satisfying meal at home, unlike the N800 he used to spend on a plate of food.
”The last time I tried eating out, I spent N4,000 for a plate of food which used to be N800,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Gabriel Ajayi, a student, found buying foodstuff to cook at home more budget-friendly.
He highlighted that restaurant meals were expensive, with a plate of food costing between N2,500 to N3,000, excluding drinks.
“Firstly, eating in restaurants these days has become too expensive and above a student’s budget.
“A plate of food in most restaurants goes between N2, 500 to N3,000 without soft drink or water.
“If I multiply that sum per meal a day for a week, the total is enough for me to get little foodstuff and cook to my satisfaction,” he said.
Also, Miss Elizabeth Akinmuleya, a businesswoman, agreed that cooking at home was more economical, especially for large families.
She emphasised that saving food and ingredients for future meals was a significant advantage.
“It is difficult to sustain eating out twice or more in a week in this economy, even if you have been doing it in the past. Things are different now, it is way too expensive,” she said.
However, Mr Ayobami Adedokun and Mr Clement Awoyi preferred eating out due to convenience and variety.
They argued that the difference in cost between buying foodstuff and eating out was minimal, and they value the time saved by not cooking at home.(NAN)
