The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims in Nigeria to begin searching for the crescent moon that will mark the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal.
A statement from the Sultanate Council, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, said that Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH, has been set for the moon sighting.
“The Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims throughout the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026,” the statement said.
Muslims who sight the crescent are asked to report it to their local district or village head, who will forward the information to the Sultanate Council for confirmation.
The phone lines shared by the council for direct reports include 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08035945903, and 07067146900.
The sighting of the Shawwal moon marks the end of Ramadan fasting and the start of Eid al-Fitr celebrations across the Muslim world.
The Sultan, as Nigeria’s top Muslim spiritual leader, officially announces the start and end of Ramadan after verifying moon sightings from different parts of the country.
