Sultan Declares Ramadan Start Date for Nigeria

The Sultan of Sokoto, through a press statement made available to newsmen, announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following the sighting of the moon. The announcement was made by the chairman of the advisory committee on religious affairs, Professor Sambo Waliyi Junaidu, who confirmed the moon sighting based on reports from various traditional leaders and Islamic associations across Nigeria.

The Sultan accepted these reports and encouraged the Muslim community to commence their fast. He also wished the Muslim ummah guidance from Allah and urged them to continue praying for their leaders.

Furthermore, he called on Nigerians to live peacefully together, irrespective of religious or tribal differences, during the holy month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time when the Holy Qur'an was revealed.