By: Sefiu Ajape
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on Muslims nationwide to look out for the crescent moon of Ramadan immediately after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, which corresponds to 29 Sha’aban 1447 A.H.
The announcement was made by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Council’s Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
The Ramadan crescent refers to the first visible new moon that signals the commencement of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Its sighting confirms the beginning of the fasting period for Muslims.
The Council explained that observation of the crescent should take place after sunset on the specified date, adding that the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), working in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency, has deployed facilities to monitor and verify credible sightings across the country.
According to the statement, if the crescent is sighted on Tuesday evening, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA will officially proclaim Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 A.H.
“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Thursday, 19” February 2026, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1447 A.H.
“Details of the traditional rulers, religious leaders and members of the NMSC who should be contacted on the credible sighting of the crescent of Ramadan are available at www.nscla.com.ng” it read.
Beyond the Ramadan announcement, the NSCIA raised concerns over what it described as increasing Islamophobic narratives in the country within the past year.
The Council stated that Muslims have faced attempts to criminalise the faith through narratives “inconsistent with the reality of insecurity in Nigeria.”
It cited both past and recent incidents involving individuals from different religious backgrounds, alleging the existence of double standards in media coverage and public reactions.
“Muslims are being asked to denounce what they did not endorse, while those who have been victims of attacks are being framed as aggressors.
“Muslims have thus become ‘double victims’ who are, on the one hand, the major victims of Boko Haram, banditry and Lakurawa, the most heinous of such incidents happening in the underreported gruesome murder of about 200 Muslims in Kwara state and also, on the other hand, the victims of negative narratives that erase Muslim suffering.
“The culture of inequality against Muslims is being entrenched because Christians have foreign powers to defend them while Muslims appear defenceless,” the statement added.
On electoral matters, the NSCIA disclosed that it had received complaints following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduling presidential elections during Ramadan, with gubernatorial elections expected to fall around Eid al-Fitr.
The Council said it was monitoring the situation closely and expressed hope that the development would be reviewed promptly.
It further urged Muslims to remain calm, steadfast and committed to the values of Ramadan despite prevailing challenges, while offering prayers for peace, protection and tranquillity across Nigeria.
The Council also prayed that Allah would grant Muslims the opportunity to witness and complete the 1447 A.H. Ramadan in good health and devotion.
