As the holy month of Ramadan reaches its final stretch, the global Muslim Ummah has begun the countdown to the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Reports from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday confirmed that the crescent moon of Shawwal was not sighted, meaning the Kingdom will observe a full 30 days of fasting, with Eid officially falling on Friday. While the news from the Hijaz provides a global roadmap, Nigerian Muslims are turning their eyes toward the Sultanate Council in Sokoto for the final local directive. His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, had earlier moved the machinery of moon-sighting into gear. In a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Sultan urged the Nigerian Muslim community to look out for the silver lining in the sky this Wednesday, March 18, 2026. For Nigerian believers, the sighting of the moon is more than just a calendar update; it is a spiritual milestone. The Sultanate has already established a robust communication network, urging any Muslim who spots the new moon to report the sighting to the nearest District or Village Head. These reports will then be verified and channeled to the Sultan for the official national announcement. With Saudi Arabia completing the full 30-day cycle of Ramadan, there is a heightened sense of anticipation across Nigerian cities from Kano to Ibadan and Lagos. If the moon is not sighted in Nigeria today, the country will likely join the Kingdom in celebrating a Friday Eid, allowing for a final, powerful day of Ibadah (worship) to seal the month of mercy. As the sun sets today, the Nigerian Muslim community remains in a state of prayerful expectation, waiting for the official word that will trigger the Takbirats of Eid and the joy of the festival across the Federation. Post navigation 2027: Resign Before March 31 Or Be Sacked, Tinubu Tells Appointees Adelabu Shifts Focus from the Grid to the Ballot
