Sokoto Sultanate Declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr Day

By Angel Nwaozuzu

The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, signalling Eid-el-Fitr celebrations across Nigeria after the Shawwal crescent moon went unsighted.

In a Wednesday statement, the Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working with the National Moon Sighting Committee, confirmed no credible moon sightings on March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan, making Thursday, March 19, the 30th and final day of fasting.

Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, approved the declaration, congratulating Muslims on completing Ramadan and urging sustained devotion, prayers for peace, unity, and progress amid Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.

This unified announcement, rooted in lunar calendar traditions requiring physical crescent sightings, ensures consistent nationwide observance of Eid-el-Fitr under the Sultanate’s coordinating role.