Sultan declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)
By Abubakar Auwal (Sokoto) & Dalhatu Liman (Abuja)
The Sultanate Council has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The announcement followed the outcome of deliberations by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee.
According to the statement, no verified reports of the new moon of Shawwal were received from moon sighting committees across the country on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan.
As a result, Thursday, March 19, will be observed as the 30th and final day of Ramadan.
However, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, approved the report and formally declared Friday as Eid-el-Fitr.
In his message to the Muslim faithful, the Sultan extended warm felicitations to the Nigerian Ummah, urging them to sustain the virtues of prayer, unity, and compassion cultivated during Ramadan.
He also called on Muslims to continue praying for peace, progress, and national development.
Niger, Mali observe Sallah today
Meanwhile, the Islamic Council of Niger has announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, marking the end of the Ramadan fast in the country.
The announcement was made through one of its officials who addressed citizens in French via the state broadcaster, Radio Télévision Nationale (RTN).
According to the Council, the crescent was sighted in Dogo and Barwa towns in Diffa Province, as well as in Mirya, Damagaram Province.
With this declaration, Muslims in Niger will observe the Eid el-Fitr celebrations today.
Authorities in neighbouring Mali have also confirmed the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, paving the way for Eid festivities in the country
