Tinubu Greets Muslims on Islamic New Year, Calls for National Unity

President Bola Tinubu has delivered a message to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year on 1st Muharram 1448AH, which falls on June 16, 2026. The presidential statement, issued on Tuesday through Special Adviser on Strategic Communication Bayo Onanuga, centered on themes of faith, patience, and national development.

In his message, Tinubu drew on the historical significance of the Hijrah—the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina—as a framework for reflection during the new hijri year. He highlighted lessons from this event, including sacrifice, renewed patience, and submission to divine will, framing these as essential to building a peaceful and just society.

The President urged all Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to channel the spirit of the new year into strengthened commitment to good citizenship, kindness, tolerance, honesty, and devotion to duty. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) also issued a statement on the occasion, calling on citizens of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds to reject divisive narratives.

The council's statement, signed by spokesperson Abba Jimoh, acknowledged the economic hardship gripping Nigerian households, citing high cost of living, food inflation, and unemployment as factors testing public patience. The NSCIA urged the government to implement necessary reforms alongside compassion.

The council framed the Islamic New Year as an opportunity for individuals to engage in introspection and spiritual renewal, recommitting to values of righteousness, justice, and service to humanity. Both messages appeared timed to address not only the religious significance of the occasion but also broader national concerns about unity and governance during a period of economic strain.