The Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Sultan announced that the crescent moon was sighted in several parts of the country on Tuesday, the 29th day of Sha’aban. This confirms that Wednesday marks the beginning of Ramadan 1447 in Nigeria.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaid, and made available to journalists in Sokoto.
According to the statement, the Sultan called on Muslims across the country to commence fasting on Wednesday in line with Islamic teachings.
He noted that the council received verified reports of moon sightings from Islamic leaders across various states, signifying the official start of the Ramadan fast.
The Sultan also urged Muslims to use the sacred month to pray for peace and stability, particularly in light of insecurity affecting some parts of the country.
He called on the faithful to continue praying for national leaders and for an end to insecurity nationwide.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also announced the sighting of the crescent moon and declared Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan.
