The Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as Eid-el-Fitr, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal moon.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday night by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto. He noted that no verified reports were received from moon-sighting committees across the country.
According to the statement, Wednesday, March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, did not record any confirmed sighting of the new moon of Shawwal, making Thursday, March 19, the 30th day of Ramadan.
Based on the report of the National Moon Sighting Committee, the Sultan declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH and the official day for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
He congratulated Muslims across the country and urged them to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and national development, while also wishing the faithful a joyous Eid-el-Fitr and acceptance of their acts of worship.