Eid al-Fitr 2026: Nigeria Officially Announces Sallah Day
- The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar, sent a fresh message to all Muslims across Nigeria concerning the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH
- The sighting of the new moon would mark the end of Ramadan 1447 AH and the beginning of Shawwal, which signals the celebration of Eid al-Fitr by Muslims worldwide
- Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, explained that as of Wednesday evening, March 18, the moon marking the beginning of Shawwal had not been sighted in Nigeria
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.
Sokoto, Sokoto state - The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa'ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, March 20, as Eid al-Fitr for Muslims in Nigeria.
The announcement followed reports that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted, according to Vanguard.
Source: Facebook
Eid al-Fitr 2026 confirmed
Umar Jubril Simwal, a prominent member of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), confirmed on Wednesday evening, March 18, that the Sultan has declared Friday as the first day of Shawwal.
Simwal wrote on his verified X page:
"No reports of positive sightings were received at the Sultan’s palace; His Eminence has declared Friday, 20th March, as the first day of Shawwal."
Read his X post below:
Sultan declares Eid al-Fitr
Similarly, a statement from the media team of the Sultan of Sokoto, obtained by Legit.ng, noted that the religious leader declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as Eid al-Fitr.
The leader of Muslims in Nigeria announced that the Shawwal 1447AH crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which marked the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH.
The statement reads:
"In accordance with Islamic injunctions as derived from the Qur’an and Hadith, when the new moon is not sighted on the 29th day of the lunar month, Muslims are required to complete 30 days of fasting before celebrating Eid.
"Consequently, Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan."
It added:
"His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the report (of the moon-sighting committees across the country) and accordingly declared Friday, 30th March, 2926 as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH. (Day of Eid-El-Fitri).”
The Sultan felicitated with the Nigerian Muslim community on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged continued prayers for peace, unity, and development in Nigeria. He also prayed that God accept the acts of worship.
Source: Twitter
Legit.ng reports that Eid al-Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims. Typically, the holiday is celebrated with large gatherings for prayers, often taking place in outdoor prayer fields.
Nigerians speak on celebrating Eid
Meanwhile, Legit.ng spoke with Muslim faithful who shared their expectations ahead of the Eid al-Fitr 2026 celebration. Rasheed Adedokun from Oyo State said he looks forward to the food and family gatherings.
He said:
“What I look forward to in Eid celebrations is to see different people in the same place, the exchange of food between families and neighbours and wearing of new clothes."
Another Muslim, Adeyinka Adebiyi from Osun State, spoke about the uniqueness of Eid.
He said:
“Majorly, every household loves to eat something unique which they hardly eat on ordinary days just to make the day unique. These foods have no major cultural significance as such, but the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al Kabir festivals are just unique."
Read more on Eid al-Fitr:
- Muslim-dominated country declares March 20, 2026 public holiday for all institutions
- Ramadan 2026: Ghana announces Eid al-Fitr public holiday dates
Nigerians react to Saudi Eid
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Saudi Arabia confirmed on Wednesday, March 18, that Eid al-Fitr will be on Friday, March 20, since the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted.
Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) swiftly reacted to Saudi Arabia's announcement.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
