The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.

The Sultan announced that the crescent moon was sighted in various parts of the country on Tuesday, the 29th day of Sha’aban, thereby confirming the commencement of the holy month.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, and made available in Sokoto, the council said reports were received from moonsighting committees across the country.

“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the reports and accordingly declared Wednesday, 18th February, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read in part.

The Sultan urged Muslims nationwide to commence fasting on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic teachings.

He also called on Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray against insecurity affecting parts of the country and to pray for Nigeria’s leaders.