The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon marking the commencement of Ramadan 2026.
In a statement issued by Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, the Sultan said verified reports of moon sightings were received from various parts of the country and duly authenticated.
The Sultan, who was represented by Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, announced that Muslims across Nigeria would begin fasting on Wednesday.
“After due verification and authentication of the reports received from across the country, the Sultanate Council has accepted the sighting of the new moon. Consequently, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer and reflection.
Meanwhile, Christians also commenced the Lenten season on Wednesday, with Catholic faithful observing Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the 40-day period of fasting and penitence leading to Easter.
