The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan in Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night in a statement issued by the Palace of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, following confirmed reports of the sighting of the new moon in different parts of the country.
According to the statement, verified moon sightings from various locations signified the commencement of Ramadan 1447AH.
“Reports of the sighting of the moon were received from various locations across the country,” the statement read.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the five pillars of Islam. During the period, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset, while also engaging in increased prayers, charity and other acts of devotion.
With the declaration, Muslims across Nigeria are expected to begin the month-long fast on Wednesday.