Ramadan timetable 2027 in Nigeria: calculated times
In Nigeria, the Ramadan timetable 2027 consists of a set of times calculated for each day of fasting: imsak before dawn, fajr, sunrise, iftar at maghrib and isha. On the first day imsak is set at 05:29 and iftar at 18:38, a fast of 13 h 09.
Ramadan 2027 in Nigeria is expected to begin on Monday 8 February. In Abuja, imsak is at 05:29 and iftar at 18:38 on the first day, a fast of 13 h 09 that only reaches 13 h 20 by day 29.
| Day | Imsak | Fajr | Sunrise | Iftar (maghrib) | Isha | Fasting time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – Mon 8 Feb | 05:29 | 05:39 | 06:50 | 18:38 | 19:45 | 13 h 09 |
| Day 15 – Mon 22 Feb | 05:26 | 05:36 | 06:47 | 18:40 | 19:47 | 13 h 14 |
| Day 29 – Mon 8 Mar | 05:21 | 05:31 | 06:41 | 18:41 | 19:47 | 13 h 20 |
Calculated estimates (18°/17° (MWL)). The IslamicFinder widget above shows today’s times; check with your local mosque.
Ramadan 1448 in Nigeria
In 2027 the month falls during the dry season, when the harmattan wind from the Sahara brings dust and dry air to the north. Daytime temperatures rise steadily in February and March, especially in Kano and other northern cities.
The table above is calculated for Abuja, the federal capital, in the centre of the country. Nigeria uses West Africa Time, and because the country lies fairly close to the equator, fasting durations change little during the month.
Abuja from the first to the last day
On Monday 8 February, Abuja observes imsak at 05:29, fajr at 05:39 and maghrib at 18:38. On Monday 22 February, the fast lasts 13 h 14, between an imsak at 05:26 and an iftar at 18:40.
On Monday 8 March, imsak is at 05:21 and iftar at 18:41, for a total of 13 h 20. Only eleven minutes are added over the month, a very stable timetable compared with North Africa or Europe.
The Sultan of Sokoto's announcement
In Nigeria, the start of Ramadan is announced by the Sultan of Sokoto, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, after crescent sighting reports arrive from across the country on the evening of 29 Sha'ban.
That evening is expected to be Sunday 7 February 2027. If the moon is sighted, fasting begins on Monday 8 February; otherwise, the Sultan declares Tuesday 9 February as the first day of Ramadan for Nigerian Muslims.
Laylat al-Qadr and Sallah
Laylat al-Qadr is expected on the evening of Friday 5 March 2027, during the last ten nights of intense worship. Eid al-Fitr, known as Sallah or Karamar Sallah in Hausa, should fall on Tuesday 9 March, or on Wednesday 10 March after thirty days.
Abuja, Kano and Kaduna compared
On the first day, Kano breaks the fast at 18:31, Kaduna at 18:37 and Abuja at 18:38. Kano, further north and slightly east, sees the sun set earlier, while Abuja, further south, has the latest iftar of the three.
Durations differ with latitude: 13 h 03 in Kano, 13 h 06 in Kaduna and 13 h 09 in Abuja on the first day. Further south, the February fast gets longer, since days are longer near the equator at this time of year.
Kunu, kosai and the Nigerian iftar
In the north, iftar often starts with dates and kunu, a millet drink, or fura da nono, millet balls mixed with fermented milk. Kosai, bean fritters also known as akara, and koko, a spiced millet porridge, are very common.
The main meal often includes tuwo, a firm porridge served with soups such as miyan kuka or miyan taushe. In the south-west, Yoruba Muslim families prepare their own dishes for iftar, such as amala or jollof rice.
Tafsir, tarawih and daily life
During Ramadan, mosques in the north hold daily tafsir sessions, public explanations of the Quran, often broadcast on radio. In Kano, these gatherings attract large crowds in the afternoon, before preparations for the evening meal begin.
Working hours are not officially reduced at federal level, though some northern states adjust the hours of public employees. Markets remain busy, and the hours before iftar bring heavy traffic in cities like Kano and Abuja.
Tips for fasting in Nigeria
Heat, dust and dry air make hydration the priority during this Ramadan, particularly in the north. These practical tips help to fast safely and comfortably, whether in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano or the cities of the south-west.
- Drink water steadily between 18:38 and the end of sahur.
- Protect your face and eyes from harmattan dust when outdoors.
- Rest during the hottest hours if your work allows it.
- Listen for the Sultan of Sokoto's announcement on 7 February.
What is the Durbar festival?
In northern cities such as Kano, Katsina and Zaria, Eid is celebrated with the Durbar, a parade of horsemen in colourful attire saluting the emir. It is one of the most spectacular Sallah traditions in West Africa.
Which method is used for the Nigerian times?
The figures follow the Muslim World League angles of 18° for fajr and 17° for isha. Local timetables may use other parameters, so the calendar of your mosque or Islamic council remains the reference for sahur and prayers.
Why does the fast change so little in Abuja?
Nigeria lies between about four and fourteen degrees north, fairly close to the equator, where day length is almost constant. In Abuja, the fast moves only from 13 h 09 on day 1 to 13 h 20 on day 29.