Nigeria has commenced Ramadan 1447AH as NSCIA confirmed Crescent Moon and Christians mark Ash Wednesday.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Muslims across Nigeria have commenced the 2026 Ramadan fast following the official confirmation of the crescent moon, while Christians nationwide are observing Ash Wednesday to begin the Lenten season.
The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, announced that verified moon sightings were received from multiple locations across the country and subsequently authenticated by the Sultanate Council.
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In a statement issued by Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, it was confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, corresponds to the first day of Ramadan 1447AH. The Sultan, represented by Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, said the council carefully examined and validated the reports before approving the commencement of the fast.
“After due verification and authentication of the reports received from across the country, the Sultanate Council has accepted the sighting of the new moon,” the statement read, formally declaring the start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed globally as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and charity.
At the same time, Christian faithful, particularly within the Catholic Church, are marking Ash Wednesday, which signals the beginning of Lent — a 40-day season of fasting, penitence and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter.
With Ramadan and Lent commencing on the same day this year, millions of Nigerians from both faith communities are entering simultaneous periods of devotion, sacrifice and spiritual reflection.
