The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that fasting may continue on Sunday, as the moon signaling the end of Ramadan has not yet been sighted in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary-General of NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
He urged Muslims to search for the crescent of Shawwal on the 29th day of Ramadan.
“If Muslims sight the crescent in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence would declare Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of Idul Fitr,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia confirmed earlier on Saturday that the crescent of Shawwal had been sighted, declaring that Eid al-Fitr would be observed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
This announcement was made on Haramain’s official Facebook page, an authoritative platform for the global Muslim community.
“The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”
Ahead of the announcement, the Federal Government had declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as public holidays for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conveyed this in a statement released on Wednesday by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Magdalene Ajani.
The minister congratulated Muslims on successfully completing the Ramadan fast and urged them to “embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace, emphasizing the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society.”
Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the country’s peace, stability, and prosperity.
He expressed hope that the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would foster unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines, urging citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly while extending kindness and charity to the less privileged in the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.
