Sultan of Sokoto urges Nigerian Muslims to sight the Ramadan crescent on Feb 17, 2026. NSCIA provides guidelines and cautions against Islamophobic narratives

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to search for the crescent of Ramadan immediately after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (29 Sha’aban 1447 A.H.).

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The Sultan’s announcement, signed by NSCIA Secretary-General Prof Is-haq Oloyede, confirmed that if the crescent is sighted on Tuesday, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan. If not, Thursday, February 19, 2026, becomes the first day.

The National Moon Sighting Committee, in consultation with the National Space Research and Development Agency, will oversee credible sightings.

Beyond the Ramadan directive, the NSCIA expressed concern over rising Islamophobic narratives, noting the disproportionate portrayal of Muslims in media relative to their victimization in security incidents.

The council urged Muslims to remain calm and steadfast in their faith, despite political and social challenges, including the upcoming elections overlapping with Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

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The council prayed for peace, protection, and the opportunity for Nigerian Muslims to observe and complete the 1447 A.H. Ramadan with health and devotion.