The Ramadan crescent has been sighted in Nigeria, signaling the commencement of fasting for the year 1447 AH.
His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, confirmed the development and declared that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan in the country.
According to an update shared on the verified social media platforms of the National Moon Sighting Committee at exactly 8:44 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the new moon was successfully observed in parts of the country, paving the way for the official declaration.
The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs later issued a press statement confirming that the Ramadan crescent has been sighted and that fasting commenced on Wednesday, February 18.
In a statement released Tuesday by the Sultanate council, His Eminence, Sultan Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, president of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, announced that the crescent was sighted on Tuesday, February 17, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
BREAKING: HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, the 20th Shehu of Borno, has officially announced that Ramadan will begin tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/N8gmHrZCqu
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) February 17, 2026
The Sultan, represented by Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, disclosed 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.
“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.
Meanwhile, Muslim News Nigeria released a special electronic cover to commemorate the commencement of Ramadan 1447 AH, congratulating the Muslim Ummah and urging faithful to observe the holy month with sincerity, discipline, and prayers for national peace and prosperity.
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