- The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as Eid-el-Fitr day in Nigeria
- The decision followed the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent on March 18 (29th Ramadan)
- Muslims were urged to continue prayers for peace, unity, and national development
The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria after the crescent moon was not sighted.
The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Wednesday, March 18, by the council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee Nigeria.
According to the statement, “No report was received from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded with the 29th day of Ramadan.
“Therefore, Thursday, 19th March 2026 is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1447AH.
“The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, 20th March 2026 as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH (Day of Eid-el-Fitr).”
The Sultan extended his goodwill to Muslims nationwide, urging them to sustain prayers for peace and national development.
“His Eminence felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.
“He also urges the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country,” the statement added.
He further expressed optimism that the spiritual gains of Ramadan would continue beyond the fasting period, praying that “Allah (SWT) accepts our religious deeds.”
In Islam, the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a practice rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, coordinates moon sighting activities nationwide through an extensive network of committees to ensure a unified declaration for Muslims.
When the crescent is not sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan, the month is completed as 30 days, with Eid-el-Fitr observed the following day.
The statement was signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.