The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on Muslims across the country to search for the crescent marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 A.H. immediately after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to 29th Sha’aban 1447 A.H.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Council congratulated the Muslim Ummah ahead of the fasting season and announced that the official sighting exercise would be coordinated by the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
According to the Council, if the crescent is sighted on Tuesday evening, the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, will declare Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan. However, if the moon is not sighted, Thursday, February 19, 2026, will automatically mark the commencement of fasting.
Beyond the announcement of Ramadan, the Council expressed concern over what it described as increasing Islamophobia and negative narratives targeting Muslims in Nigeria. It stated that Muslims have been victims of violent attacks, including insurgency and banditry, while also facing what it termed misrepresentation in public discourse and media coverage.
The NSCIA referenced past incidents it believes were handled with bias, including the 2015 case involving Yunusa and Eze Oruru, as well as more recent cases such as that of Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi and Walida Abdullahi. It also cited the killing of Deborah over alleged blasphemy and the January 4, 2026 killing of Pastor Dio Idon in Southern Kaduna, alleging disparities in how religious identities were portrayed in media reports.
The Council further noted complaints received following the scheduling of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which indicated that the presidential election would hold during Ramadan and that a gubernatorial election could coincide with Eidul Fitr. The NSCIA said it expects an immediate review of the timetable and assured Muslims that it is closely monitoring developments.
Despite the challenges, the Council urged Muslims to remain steadfast, prayerful and committed to justice and peaceful coexistence. Quoting verses from the Qur’an, it encouraged believers to observe the holy month with sincerity, reflection and devotion.
The NSCIA prayed for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria and called on Muslims to use the period of Ramadan to strengthen their faith and contribute positively to national harmony.
The statement was issued on February 15, 2026, corresponding to 27th Sha’aban 1447 A.H.
