- Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III has officially declared that the crescent moon was sighted across Nigeria, marking the start of Ramadan 1447.
- Following the moon sighting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Sultan announced Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan
- The Sultan urged Muslims across the country to commence fasting in accordance with Islamic teachings
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, has confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will mark the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
According to the Sultan, the crescent moon was sighted in nearly every part of Nigeria on Tuesday, February 17, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Sha’aban, signaling that Wednesday will be the first day of Ramadan 1447.
In a press statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, Sultan Abubakar “called on the entire Muslim community in the country to commence the fast on Wednesday in accordance with the teachings of Islam.”
He noted that the council had received moon sighting reports from numerous Islamic leaders across the country, confirming the start of the Ramadan fast on Wednesday, February 18.
The Sultan also “urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray against the insecurity ravaging some parts of the country.”
Additionally, he encouraged Muslims to continue praying for the nation’s leaders and for an end to insecurity.
Earlier on Tuesday, February 17, TheRadar reported that Saudi Arabia had also sighted the crescent moon, similarly declaring Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of fasting for the holy month of Ramadan.