The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the Ramadan crescent immediately after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The call was conveyed in a statement issued by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and signed by its Secretary-General, Is-haq Oloyede.
According to the council, Tuesday corresponds to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447 A.H., the traditional period for sighting the new moon that signals the beginning of Ramadan.
“The crescent of Ramadan should be looked for after sunset on Tuesday,” the statement said.
“If it is sighted and confirmed, the Sultan will declare Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan.”
The council explained that the National Moon Sighting Committee, working with the National Space Research and Development Agency, has deployed observation facilities and coordination channels to ensure credible reports from across the country.
It added that if the moon is not sighted on Tuesday evening, then Thursday, February 19, 2026, would automatically become the first day of fasting.
Beyond the moon-sighting announcement, the council expressed concern about what it described as increasing negative narratives about Muslims in Nigeria.
“Muslims are often expected to denounce actions they did not support, while their own suffering is sometimes overlooked,” the statement noted, adding that many Muslims remain victims of insecurity, including insurgency and banditry.
On political developments, the council also raised concerns over the proposed election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which may coincide with Ramadan and the Eid period.
It said it hoped authorities would review the schedule to avoid disenfranchising Muslim voters.
The council, however, encouraged Muslims to remain peaceful and devoted during the fasting period.
“We call on the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer, discipline and acts of charity,” it stated, praying that Allah grants Muslims the opportunity to witness and complete the Ramadan season in good health and tranquility
