The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee, has announced the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the committee confirmed that reports from various moon-sighting committees across the country verified the sighting of the crescent on February 17, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
The statement was signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
“Reports received from various Moonsighting Committees across the country have confirmed the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH on Tuesday, 17th February, 2026, which is the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH,” the statement read.
Following the development, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), formally declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.
“His Eminence has accepted the reports and accordingly declared Wednesday, 18th February, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement added.
The Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria on the commencement of the holy month and urged them to use the period for prayers and reflection.
“The Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings,” the statement said. “He urges Muslims to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country and wishes all Muslims a happy Ramadan Kareem. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen.”
