The Leader of Muslims in Nigeria, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH was not sighted on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH.

In accordance with Islamic injunctions as derived from the Qur’an and Hadith, when the new moon is not sighted on the 29th day of the lunar month, Muslims are required to complete 30 days of fasting before celebrating Eid. Consequently, Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan.

The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee. The statement confirmed that no verified reports of the Shawwal crescent were received from moon-sighting committees across the country.

Signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairnan, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, dated 18th March, 2026, the statement said, accordingly, His Eminence has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH and the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, 30th March, 2926 as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH. (Day of Eid-El-Fitri),” it said.

The Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of Ramadan and urges continued prayers for peace, unity, and development in the nation. He also prays that Allah (SWT) accepts the عبادات (acts of worship) of all المسلمين.

“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the Country, also wishes all Muslims a happy El-El-Fitri. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, Amin,” the statement said.

Signed:
Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto
Date: March 18, 2026

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has presented cheques totalling N2.4 billion to 1,075 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers under the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.

According to a statement on Wednesday signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the presentation took place at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The cheques, “amounting to ₦2,435,421,584.11, cover policy years 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, as well as 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, including outstanding insurance claims recovered from previous years.”

In her remarks, the Force Insurance Officer, Lydia Ameh, said the disbursement reflects “the determination of the IGP Olatunji Disu to prioritise the welfare of officers and their families.”

She noted that “the payments represent recoveries from long-standing insurance obligations” and added that “decisive steps have been taken to ensure compliance by insurance providers and prevent delays in claims settlement.”

Ameh further reaffirmed “the commitment of the Force Insurance Unit to efficient, transparent, and accountable service delivery.”

In his response, the IGP described the ceremony as “a solemn recognition of the sacrifices made by officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” noting that the welfare of personnel remains a central pillar of his administration.

He stated that the presentation “goes beyond financial support,” adding that it represents “the Force’s enduring obligation to honour the courage, service, and commitment of its fallen heroes while standing firmly by their families.”

Disu assured all that “efforts would be intensified to strengthen welfare frameworks, improve administrative efficiency, and eliminate delays in the processing and disbursement of benefits.”

He also noted that “the Force will leverage modern technology to enhance transparency, streamline claims processing, and ensure accountability in welfare administration.”

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment, stating that the sacrifices of fallen officers “remain invaluable to the peace, security, and stability of the nation.”

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims turn their attention to one of its final acts of worship: Zakatul Fitr. More than just a charitable donation, this obligation is a profound act of purification and social solidarity, completing the spiritual journey of the month. Its performance, guided by clear prophetic traditions, ensures that its spiritual and social objectives are beautifully fulfilled.

Zakatul Fitr is a duty incumbent upon every Muslim who possesses the means beyond their basic needs for themselves and their family. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly established this, declaring: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakatul Fitr obligatory upon every Muslim—free or slave, male or female, young or old.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

This universality is a powerful reflection of Islam’s inclusive spirit. It ensures that every household that is able can participate in a collective act of compassion, supporting the less fortunate and weaving a tighter fabric of community care.

The amount set for Zakatul Fitr is one ṣā‘ of a household’s staple food. Classical scholars describe a ṣā‘ as a volume measure roughly equivalent to 2.5 to 3 kilograms of common food items like rice, wheat, dates, or barley. The head of the household is responsible for fulfilling this duty on behalf of all dependents, including children and those under their care. This system guarantees that every member of the community, even the youngest, contributes to uplifting the poor, reinforcing the principle of shared responsibility.

Timing is essential for Zakatul Fitr to achieve its intended purpose. The charity must be given before the Eid prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed that it be distributed before people set out for the prayer, so that the needy may benefit from it in time to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with dignity and joy. Recognizing the logistical challenges of distribution, scholars permit giving the Zakat a day or two before Eid. This flexibility facilitates the process, ensuring it reaches those who need it most in a timely manner.

The primary recipients of Zakatul Fitr are the poor and the needy. By providing them with the means to partake in the Eid festivities, this charity prevents their social exclusion and transforms Eid into a genuine celebration for the entire community. It is a tangible expression of the principle that joy is meant to be shared.

In contemporary contexts, many scholars permit giving the equivalent monetary value, allowing recipients the flexibility to address their most pressing needs. This opinion is followed when it is deemed more beneficial, though the original Sunnah emphasizes the distribution of food.

Reflecting on Zakatul Fitr reveals the profound practical wisdom within Islam. It ensures that the intense worship of Ramadan does not remain a private spiritual exercise but instead culminates in a visible act of social responsibility. As believers conclude their month of fasting with gratitude to Allah for His blessings, they channel that gratitude into generosity toward others.

Thus, Zakatul Fitr stands as the final, defining gesture of Ramadan. It is a powerful symbol of personal purification, sincere compassion, and communal harmony, ensuring that the joy of Eid is not a private privilege but a shared blessing for all members of society.