The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to begin observing the new moon for the start of Ramadan from the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
According to a statement issued by NSCIA General, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, if the moon is sighted on February 17, fasting will commence on Wednesday, February 18. If not, Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19. The National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency(NASRDA), has made arrangements for the official observation.
Meanwhile, concerns over potential spikes in tomato and vegetable prices during Ramadan have been dismissed by the Tomatoes Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria. Kaduna State Chairman Rabiu Zuntu told the News Agency of Nigeria that this year’s fasting period coincides with the peak harvest season in northern states, suggesting that abundant supply will likely keep prices stable, unlike previous years when tomato and pepper costs surged during Ramadan.