The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday March 18, 2026 the 29th day of Ramadan which has been officially designated for the nationwide moon sighting.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu. It urges Muslims throughout the country to observe the skies tomorrow evening for the appearance of the new crescent that will formally signal the conclusion of the holy month of fasting.
The sighting process follows an established and structured chain of reporting. Muslims who spot the crescent are asked to immediately report it to their local District or Village Head, who will then communicate the confirmed sighting to the Sultanate Council for official verification by the Sultan.
The Sultan’s official announcement following confirmed sightings from across the country will determine the exact date of Eid al-Fitr prayers and celebrations nationwide. According to a prominent member of the National Moon Sighting Committee, the Shawwal 1447 crescent new moon is astronomically expected to occur on Thursday March 19, 2026 at 2:23am, with the new moon conjunction taking place after sunset on March 18.
In anticipation of the celebration, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has already approved the early payment of March salaries for civil servants, local government workers, education authority staff and pensioners across the state.
