The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, in parts of the country and marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447AH, declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting for Muslims across Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Sultanate Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The statement stated that the crescent was sighted on Tuesday, February 17, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
The Sultan, represented by Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, said that verified reports of moon sightings were received from various parts of the country and were carefully authenticated and accepted by the Sultanate Council, thereby confirming the commencement of the holy month and the fasting.
“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 said.
In a related development, the Council noted that, due to the Sultan’s temporary absence, this year’s formal public announcement was made by the Shehu of Borno, acting on behalf of the Sultanate Council, in line with established tradition.
The Sultan urged Muslims nationwide to dedicate the holy month to fervent prayers, spiritual reflection, and acts of charity, while seeking divine guidance and peace for Nigeria.
“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, stability and progress of our dear country, and for wisdom and guidance for our leaders at all levels,” he said.
The commencement of Ramadan signals the start of a month-long fast observed daily from dawn to sunset by millions of Muslims across Nigeria and the world, reinforcing the nation’s rich religious heritage and spirit of communal harmony.
Religious leaders across states have since begun mobilising faithful for special nightly prayers (Taraweeh), charity outreach, and community feeding programmes, underscoring Ramadan’s enduring message of faith, solidarity and national renewal.
An earlier statement by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee has stated that it received reports from various Moonsighting Committees across the country, confirming the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH, on Tuesday, 17th February, 2026.
The statement signed by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council and Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, said that the Sultan has accepted the reports and accordingly declared Wednesday, 18th February, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447АН.
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