The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced that the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH was not sighted across Nigeria.
According to the Sultan, reports from the National Moon Sighting Committee and various local committees nationwide confirmed that there was no verified sighting of the crescent on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which marked the 29th day of Ramadan.
The decision was conveyed in a statement issued by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
Following the development, the Sultan declared that Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan.
“Resultantly, Thursday, 19th March, 2026 is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read.
He further announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will mark the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH, signifying the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
The Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria on the successful completion of the fasting period and prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and blessings.
He also urged Muslims to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and national development.
“May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds,” the statement added, while wishing Muslims a joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.