Ramadan Start

Ramadan in Nigeria is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the first day of fasting observed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. There are approximately 46 days remaining until the start of this holy month. It is important to note that the exact date depends on the local sighting of the crescent moon, which is usually confirmed by the Sultan of Sokoto and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. The month will last for 29 or 30 days, concluding with the Eid al-Fitr celebrations around mid-March.

No, the start of Ramadan is not a national public holiday in Nigeria. Government offices, schools, and banks remain open and operate according to their regular schedules. However, because over half of Nigeria's population is Muslim, many businesses—especially in northern states like Kano and Sokoto—may shorten their working hours to accommodate those fasting. While the start is not a holiday, the end of the month, known as Eid al-Fitr, is a major national public holiday celebrated across the entire country with two days of rest.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Nigerian Muslims. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. During this period, Muslims observe 'Sawm' (fasting), which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The practice involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset. In Nigeria, this is a time for deep spiritual reflection, increased prayer, reading the Quran, and performing acts of charity to help the less privileged, fostering a sense of community and self-discipline.

The daily routine begins with 'Suhoor,' a pre-dawn meal consumed around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM, depending on the location like Abuja or Lagos. This meal often includes nutritious Nigerian staples like porridge, dates, or yam. The fast is broken at sunset, known as 'Maghrib,' which typically occurs between 6:40 PM and 7:00 PM. After breaking the fast with 'Iftar,' many Muslims head to the mosque for 'Taraweeh' night prayers. The final ten days of the month are particularly intense, featuring 'Laylat al-Qadr' (the Night of Power), where many spend the entire night in worship.

Iftar in Nigeria is a communal and celebratory event. The fast is traditionally broken first with water and dates, following the Sunnah. This is followed by a variety of Nigerian dishes such as jollof rice, suya (spiced grilled meat), and 'akamu' or 'ogi' (corn pap). In the North, you will often find 'tuwo shinkafa' served with various soups, and 'kunu' (a refreshing grain-based drink). Many families and mosques organize large communal meals where the wealthy provide food for the poor, emphasizing the Nigerian spirit of hospitality and brotherhood.

While the country remains functional, there are noticeable changes in rhythm. In Muslim-majority northern regions, daytime activity may be slower as people conserve energy. Markets become extremely busy in the late afternoon as people shop for Iftar ingredients. Traffic in cities like Abuja and Kano often peaks just before sunset as everyone rushes home to break their fast. Banks and airports continue to operate normally, but it is advisable to schedule important meetings in the morning when energy levels are higher. Some restaurants in the north may close during the day but offer vibrant buffet services at night.

Visitors should be mindful of local customs, especially in conservative northern states. It is considered respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in these areas. While non-Muslims are not expected to fast, dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) is appreciated. In the southern parts of Nigeria, like Lagos, the atmosphere is more relaxed, but the spirit of the month is still widely respected. A very welcoming gesture for visitors is to join an Iftar meal if invited; it is a great way to experience Nigerian culture and hospitality.

Yes, the intensity of observance varies between the North and the South. Northern Nigeria, which has a predominant Muslim population, sees a significant shift in daily life with stricter public adherence to fasting and prayer schedules. In the South, particularly in the Southwest (Yorubaland), where there is a large Muslim population living alongside Christians, the observance is also very strong but the social environment remains more pluralistic. Despite these regional differences, the core values of charity, family gatherings, and local fusions like Hausa-Fulani charity drives are a common sight across the federation.