The Sultanate Council has announced that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan 1447AH in Nigeria following confirmation of the new crescent moon.
In a statement issued in Sokoto on Tuesday, the council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee, said it received reports from sighting groups across the country confirming the appearance of the new moon on February 17, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
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Acting on the verified reports, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar — the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs — accepted the findings and formally declared the commencement of the fasting month.
The Sultan congratulated Muslims nationwide and urged them to use the period for prayers for peace, progress, and development of the country. He also extended goodwill wishes for a spiritually fulfilling observance.The announcement effectively signals the start of Ramadan for Muslims across Nigeria, in line with traditional reliance on verified moonsighting reports coordinated by religious authorities.
The statement was signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Waziri of Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
