The Leader of Muslims in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon.
The announcement, which brings Ramadan to a close nationwide, was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee.
According to the statement, no credible reports were received from any part of the country confirming the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday, March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan.
“Thursday, March 19, 2026, shall, therefore, be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the committee stated, in line with Islamic lunar calendar provisions.
Signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, dated 18th March, 2026, the statement said, accordingly, His Eminence has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH and the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
"His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, 30th March, 2926 as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH. (Day of Eid-El-Fitri)," it said.
The Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of Ramadan and urges continued prayers for peace, unity, and development in the nation. He also prays that Allah (SWT) accepts the عبادات (acts of worship) of all المسلمين.
"His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah's guidance and blessings. The Sultan while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the Country, also wishes all Muslims a happy El-El-Fitri. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, Amin," the statement said.
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