No Backyard, No Problem: How to Throw the Perfect Indoor BBQ Party in Nigeria

There are many things people say about adulthood. Still, one of the most prominent is how challenging it is to manage relationships amidst numerous responsibilities and the heavy task of making a living. An indoor barbecue party could be the solution to bridging the gap. 

Imagine a warm Friday evening with Afrobeats playing through the speakers, people chatting pleasantly, and the unmistakable scent of suya filling your living room. You can recreate that grill and bar magic within the confines of your cosy apartment. With a few creative hacks, the right smokeless grill, and some savvy drink choices, you’ll host a lively, festive, and creative party.

Before you even plug in your grill, walk through your space, imagining the flow of guests. Mark out three zones:

• The Grill Station: The grill station should be a well-ventilated area, preferably a balcony. If your apartment doesn’t have one, ensure the grill is stationed close to the window.

• The Serving Corner: A low plastic stool or a large table in a corner can be converted into a snack and drink bar where people can easily serve themselves.

• The Chill-Out Nook: Depending on your guest list, you may need many stools or a couch, or you can get a beanbag for ₦85,000 at Stacia Interiors. If you want to go the cultural and affordable route, you can spread Ankara fabrics on the floor for people to sit on, like a picnic setting.  

This layout ensures guests can mingle freely without bumping into your grill or each other.

Here are essential Items you need to host a perfect BBQ party:

With room for eight chicken breasts or a generous batch of suya skewers, this grill’s copper‑coated plate heats evenly up to 230 °C. If you love to host parties but hate the part where you have to clean up, this grill drains oil into a discreet drip tray and slips cleanly into your kitchen cabinet when the party’s over. 

The fact that it’s an electric grill means you don’t have to worry about charcoal staining your walls and curtains or smoke filling the room.

Price: ₦69,000. Where to Buy: Shop Konga.

Games connect people and make an event memorable. You could choose card games or board games, or check through TikTok for interactive game ideas people can participate in. Karaoke, charades, dancing around a chair, miming and expression, trivia, painting, etc., are fun activities people can engage in to unwind and connect. 

Nkeko Games has a variety of cards priced under ₦12,000 that draw people closer, boost their confidence, and spice things up. If you prefer board games, you can find them on Sports World for ₦8,500 to ₦12,500. 

If you love red wine, you can read through our classic list of the best red wines and non-alcoholic red wines you can find in Nigeria. You can serve ready-made cocktails to lift people’s spirits and set a wild tone for the party.

Smirnoff Ice is a light, ready-to-drink option that pairs well with spicy food, especially suya. There is no mixing, measuring, or stress; just serve and enjoy the night. You can order a pack of 24 cans at Drinks.ng for ₦21,100, and for ₦25,000, you get a pack of 24 cans and ice so your drinks are served chilled.

Other options include Bacardi Breezer Zingy lime, which you can buy from  Bottle King for ₦3,150. The Gin & Tonic Cocktail Kit from My Mini Bar, for ₦21,995, delivers a complete barman experience. It includes three well-made Gin and tonics, two cans of Schweppes tonic water, a mason jar, a jigger, and a recipe card. It is important to include Non-alcoholic drinks like Zobo, Chapman, and more for the sake of teetotallers. 

To cement your title as the world's best barbecue party host, you need a flavoured menu. You can order all kinds of dishes, from Nigerian to Italian, and even junk food from Chowdeck. 

But before placing your order, write out a menu that includes everything you’d like to feed your guests to avoid overspending. Small chops are a stress-free and affordable option.  You can read our article on 7 Small Chops Vendors in Lagos That Don’t Miss to choose a reputable vendor. 

Your guests should feel like they’ve stepped into a warm, safe space to unwind, drop their masks, and enjoy one night before returning to the real world. A few things can help you achieve that. 

First, your apartment needs to be dimly lit. You can hang a cluster of fairy lights below the ceiling, stack them on the wall, or frame the window. At Light Trybe, you can get decorative lights for as low as ₦1,900. 

Ensure there’s enough space for people to sit or stand comfortably. If your apartment is small and you don’t have a veranda, consider slimming down your guest list for comfort. One other important thing to consider is your playlist. It has to bang. Curate a current and timeless playlist; mix old school for some nostalgia and new school for the vibe. 

Even the best smoke-free indoor grill in Nigeria can fog up a room if you’re not careful:

• Attach a small fan to your balcony railing and open the windows where you're cooking.

• If you must, deactivate smoke alarms for the duration of cooking; just set a reminder on your phone to turn them back on.

• Keep a fire blanket and extinguisher within arm’s reach.

When the party is over and everyone has left, you will be left with the task of cleaning up Here is how to make it easy for you:

• Use disposable plates and cups. Disposable plates are available at Mart King for the price of ₦3,910 per 100 pieces, and you’ll find red disposable plastic cups at Drinks Online for ₦2,500. Part Locks has a pack of 24 disposable cutlery for ₦2,500. This takes away the burden of washing plates.

• Keep a lined bin by the grill station for foil, skewers, and napkins.

• Clean up as you grill and serve, and ensure guests know where the bin is so they can also tidy up after themselves. 

With this guide, you can turn your apartment into a safe space where people can exhale. From ready-made cocktails to a calm and relaxing ambience, you’ll create memories that will linger in the hearts of many. If you’re a tenant, the most important thing is to inform your landlord before the event to avoid breaking tenancy rules. Also, keep the decibels to a minimum so you don’t disturb other tenants.