Sultan declares Wednesday start of Ramadan following moon sighting in Nigeria
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan 1447AH.
The announcement followed verified reports of the crescent moon being sighted in various parts of the country on Tuesday evening, February 17, which marked the 29th day of Sha’aban.
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In a statement released Tuesday night by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, it was confirmed that the new moon was spotted in several locations, including Nguru, Yobe State.
“After due verification and authentication of the reports received from across the country, the Sultanate Council has accepted the sighting of the new moon. Consequently, Wednesday, 18th February 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read.
Due to the Sultan’s temporary absence, the formal public announcement was made by the Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, acting on behalf of the Sultanate Council in line with established tradition.
A Call for prayer and charity
In his message to the Muslim Ummah, the Sultan congratulated Nigerians on the opportunity to witness another sacred month. He urged the faithful to dedicate the period to seeking divine intervention for Nigeria’s security challenges and national stability, supporting the needy and less privileged to ease their burden during the fast, deepening their devotion and consciousness of God (Taqwa).
“Ramadan is a period of sacrifice, self-discipline, and compassion. I call on all Muslims to use this sacred month to pray for the unity and progress of our dear country,” the Sultan stated.
Nigeria joins other nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who also confirmed the sighting of the crescent on Tuesday, marking Wednesday as the global commencement of the fast for many.
With this declaration, mosques across Nigeria are expected to begin the special Taraweeh nightly prayers tonight, while millions will commence the dawn-to-dusk fast tomorrow morning.
