File copy of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan. He stated that the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country on Tuesday, the 29th day of the month of Sha’aban, signifying that Wednesday, February 18, is the first day of Ramadan 1447. He “urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray against the insecurity ravaging some parts of the country.”He also called on Muslims across the country to use the month to continue praying for the leaders and for an end to insecurity in the country. PUNCH Online earlier reported on Tuesday afternoon that Saudi Arabia had sighted the crescent moon and consequently declared Wednesday as the first day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

Source: Punch February 18, 2026 04:02 UTC