Muslims across Nigeria will commence the 2026 Ramadan fast on Wednesday, February 18, following the official sighting of the moon.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who confirmed that credible reports of the moon sighting had been received and duly verified.
The declaration was conveyed by the Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, who spoke on behalf of the Sultan.
According to the statement, reports from different parts of the country were carefully authenticated by the Sultanate Council before approval was granted.
“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, 18th February 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read.
With the confirmation, Muslims nationwide are expected to begin the month-long fasting period, one of the five pillars of Islam, which involves abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
Further details are expected to be communicated by the Sultanate Council.
