Muslims and Christians in Nigeria mark the start of two major religious observances today.
The President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon that signals the start of Ramadan 2026.
Sambo Junaidu, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from various parts of the country and thoroughly verified. Represented by Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno, the Sultan announced that Muslims nationwide would begin fasting today.
The statement from the Sultanate Council read:
“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.”
At the same time, Christians begin the Lenten season, with Catholic faithful observing Ash Wednesday.
