Nigeria: Ramadan to begin May 15-16

Event

On May 15-16 (depending on the moon in various locations around the world), Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place between June 14-16 (depending on the country and when Ramadan started). Many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather for festivities and to eat with family, especially over weekends. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of hunger, dehydration, exhaustion, and impatience.

Tight security measures are also to be expected due to a heightened terror threat in the region. Local authorities also typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Finally, heavy rains are to expected during Ramadan as Nigeria’s rainy season in the north spans from May to September and in the south from March to November. Power outages as well as water cuts are possible and can lead to poor food preservation (malfunctioning refrigerators and freezers) and shortages of drinking water. Traffic may be disrupted if flooding blocks major thoroughfares.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. The Muslim population in Nigeria constitutes roughly 45 percent of the population; the community is largely concentrated in the country's northern states (Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, Yobe, Borno, Kebbi, and Bauchi).

More generally, this period also marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

The northeastern region of Nigeria is highly susceptible to attacks by Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in March 2015 and formally adopted the name of Islamic State in West Africa. While Nigerian military forces have pushed Boko Haram insurgents from much of their previously-claimed territory over the past year, attacks by the insurgent group have been on the rise since June 2017. For ideological reasons, Boko Haram is more likely to attempt acts of terrorism during this month. In 2015, Boko Haram targeted Muslims congregating in mosques in several northern cities; one attack near the end of the month killed nearly 100 people.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria are advised to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public by day in Muslim-majority areas during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

Travelers are advised to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior, especially considering the increased terrorist risk.

The security environment in Nigeria is complex, and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.