The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as Eid-el-Fitr day following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon across Nigeria.
The announcement came after the 29th day of Ramadan (Wednesday, March 18, 2026), when no verified reports of moon sighting were received from committees across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, Muslims are required to complete 30 days of fasting whenever the crescent is not sighted on the 29th day, in line with Islamic injunctions derived from the Qur’an and Hadith.
READ ALSO: Saudi Arabia Declares Friday as Sallah Day After Shawwal Moon Was Not Sighted
Consequently, Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan, while Friday marks the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The statement, signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, confirmed that the Sultan had accepted the report and made the declaration accordingly.
In his message, the Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged continued prayers for peace, unity, and national development.
He also prayed for the acceptance of the (acts of worship) performed during the holy month and encouraged Muslims to sustain the values of discipline, sacrifice, and devotion beyond Ramadan.
The declaration brings clarity to millions of Muslims across Nigeria, who will now join others around the world in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr after completing the 30-day fast.