The holy month of Ramadan is drawing to a spiritual close as the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal and the day of Eid-el-Fitr. This announcement followed the non-sighting of the new crescent moon on Wednesday evening, which marked the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, March 18, the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, confirmed that no credible reports of the moon were received from across the country. Consequently, the Sultan directed that Thursday, March 19, be observed as the 30th and final day of Ramadan to complete the lunar cycle. This decision aligns Nigeria with authorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and several other Gulf nations, all of whom confirmed that the crescent was not visible, thus marking Friday as the unified day for the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”
The Sultan extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fast. He urged Nigerians to sustain the virtues of discipline, empathy, and devotion beyond the holy month, calling for continued prayers for national peace, progress, and unity amidst the country’s current challenges. He emphasized that the spiritual benefits gained during Ramadan should reflect in the daily lives of citizens through acts of charity and kindness.
To facilitate the nationwide celebrations, the Federal Government of Nigeria had previously declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays. This gives families ample time to prepare for the Eid prayers, which will be held at various Eid grounds and mosques across the country on Friday morning. As the “Naija no dey carry last” spirit transitions from a royal banquet in London to the festive streets of Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, the nation prepares for a weekend of communal celebration and reflection.
