The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday as the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH in Nigeria.

By Sultan Abubakar’s declaration, Muslims across the nation are expected to observe their Eid-el-Fitr prayer and celebration on Friday.

The Sultan made the announcement in a broadcast, confirming that the new crescent of Shawwal had not been sighted following the non-receipt of reports by the committee.

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee across the country, confirmed the non-sighting of the New Moon of Shawwal.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which is equivalent to Ramadan 29, 1447 AH, it means March 19, 2026 will be Ramadan 30, 1447 AH.

Therefore, the Sultan has accepted the report and declared Friday, March 20, as the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH, and by this report, Friday is the Eid-el-Fitr, Day” he declared.

Abubakar urged Muslims to uphold the lessons learned during Ramadan and to sustain their prayers for peace, unity and progress across the country, while calling on them to pray for the nation’s leaders.

Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to continue assisting the less privileged, as practised during Ramadan.

He stressed the importance of religious tolerance, unity and national cohesion among nigerians and prayed to Almighty Allah to strengthen leaders in their commitment to lead the nation to prosperity.

The Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar that follows the sacred month of Ramadan.

The Sultan’s announcement came after the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Thursday, 19 March, and Friday, 20 March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia had earlier announced that the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan would begin on Friday, according to a statement published by state media.

The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Thursday, is the completion of the 30th day of the month of Ramadan, and that Friday is the day of the Blessed Eid al-Fitr.

The timing of the holiday, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar.

Observing the Ramadan fast is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring believers to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and intimacy during daylight hours.

Observant Muslims are also encouraged to donate to the poor.