Despite easing inflation, Nigerians are cutting back on dining out, with restaurant and fast-food visits falling 28 per cent in 2025 as more households cook at home, according to Shoppoint Rewards’ Invisible Economy Report.
The report, analysing 3 million verified receipts from over 85,000 shoppers across 10 states, shows that while discretionary spending is down, grocery purchases remain strong, accounting for 36 per cent of receipts (~N18.7 billion).
Rising price sensitivity is evident: 67–72 per cent of shoppers compared prices before buying, and 45 per cent switched household brands once prices exceeded N5,000. Weekend shopping dominates, with households consolidating trips and prioritising essentials over luxuries.
Shoppoint notes that receipt-level data provides a more detailed view of consumer behaviour than bank records, revealing real trade-offs families make under budget pressure.
The findings highlight a challenging environment for Nigeria’s restaurant and fast-food sector, suggesting that recovery may lag broader inflation easing as households continue to prioritise value, essentials, and home-prepared meals.
