…As Ramadan enters 29th day
…FG declares Thursday, Friday public holidays
By Ibrahim Goronyo, Sokoto and Paul Effiong, Abuja
Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims nationwide to watch out for the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH from today.
Abubakar gave the directive in a statement issued yesterday in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Alhaji Sambo Junaidu.
According to the statement, Wednesday, March 18, which corresponds to Ramadan 29, 1447 AH, has been designated for the sighting of the new moon.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Wednesday, March 18, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH, should be the day to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH,” the statement said.
It urged Muslims who sight the moon to report such sightings to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.
The statement also provided the following telephone numbers: 0803 715 7100, 0806 630 3077, 0803 596 5322, 0803 594 5903 and 0706 714 6900—through which credible sightings could be reported directly to the Sultan’s office.
The Sultan prayed to Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious obligations.
The sighting of the new moon will mark the end of Ramadan 1447 AH and the beginning of Shawwal, which signals the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr by Muslims worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Federal government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration across the country.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this in a statement he issued in Abuja yesterday.
In the message conveyed through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, the Minister congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He urged Muslims to always uphold the values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which are central to the holy month.
Tunji-Ojo further called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for peace, unity, and the continued prosperity of the country.
He also encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged while reaffirming the government’s commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence.
