President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has confirmed that the crescent signalling the start of Ramadan 2026 has been sighted.
According to a statement by Sambo Junaidu, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, yesterday, the leader of Muslims in Nigeria said verified reports of moon sightings were received from various parts of the country and were carefully authenticated.
Represented by Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno, the Sultan said Muslims across the country would begin the Ramadan fast today.
“After due verification and authentication of the reports received from across the country, the Sultanate Council has accepted the sighting of the new moon.
‘’Consequently, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read.
Similarly, the Lenten season for Christians begins today, as Catholic faithful observe Ash Wednesday.
Vanguard
