Ramadan to Continue Thursday: Eid-el-Fitr Confirmed for Friday in Nigeria
Moon Not Sighted
Muslims in Nigeria will observe the 30th day of Ramadan on Thursday, March 19, 2026, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening. The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, officially confirmed the development late Wednesday night.
The announcement means that the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days, and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities will officially commence on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Key Announcements:
Sultanate Council: The Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in Sokoto reported that no reliable sighting of the new moon was recorded across the country on Wednesday.
Global Alignment: Nigeria’s announcement aligns with Saudi Arabian authorities, who also declared that the moon was not sighted in the Kingdom, marking Thursday as the final day of the fast.
Public Holidays: Despite the 30-day completion, the Federal Government of Nigeria has already declared both Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, as public holidays, ensuring citizens have ample time for travel and preparation.
Preparation for Eid-el-Fitr
With the date now set for Friday, major prayer grounds across Nigeria—including those in Kaduna, Kano, and Abuja—are being prepared for the congregational Eid prayers. Security agencies have also been placed on high alert to ensure a peaceful celebration, especially in light of recent security concerns in the North-East.
The Sultan urged the Muslim Ummah to use the final day of Ramadan to pray for national peace and stability, and to ensure the payment of Zakat-ul-Fitr (charity to the poor) before the Eid prayers on Friday morning.
"Thursday, March 19, will be the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH. Consequently, Friday, March 20, is the first day of Shawwal and the day of Eid-el-Fitr." — Sultanate Council Statement
