Nigeria’s Muslim faithful received official confirmation Saturday night that Ramadan has concluded, as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, announced the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
“With the sighting of the moon, Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the 1st of Shawwal 1446 AH, marking the day for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration,” declared the Sultan, who serves as Nigeria’s foremost Islamic authority in his capacity as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
The declaration follows a meticulous verification process involving reports from moon-sighting committees positioned across Nigeria’s diverse geographical regions. Islamic scholars and designated observers had been monitoring the evening skies in anticipation of the new crescent, which traditionally signals the conclusion of the holy month of fasting.
Multiple sighting reports emerged from various states Saturday evening, providing sufficient evidence for the Sultan to make the authoritative announcement that concludes the sacred period of spiritual reflection, prayer, and self-discipline observed by millions of Nigerian Muslims for the past 30 days.
In his announcement, the Sultan congratulated the country’s Muslim community on successfully completing the rigorous fast of Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of carrying forward its spiritual lessons. The discipline, sacrifice, and heightened devotion demonstrated during this blessed month should not end with the celebration of Eid,” he advised, encouraging Muslims to “sustain the virtues of patience, piety, and charity” throughout the year ahead.
The confirmation triggers nationwide preparations for Eid celebrations, with families now finalizing arrangements for the festive day that includes special congregational prayers, communal meals, gift exchanges, and visits to relatives and friends. Markets across major cities experienced a surge in activity following the announcement, as shoppers rushed to purchase traditional foods, sweets, and new clothing customarily worn for the celebration.
Federal and state governments had previously announced public holidays for Monday and Tuesday, April 1-2, to allow for proper observance of the religious festival. The extended holiday provides opportunity for Muslims who may have traveled to return to their hometowns and villages for family reunions, a significant aspect of the Eid tradition in Nigeria.
Community leaders throughout the country have announced arrangements for Eid prayer grounds, with many major cities organizing multiple locations to accommodate the large congregations expected to gather for the special morning prayers that mark the beginning of the celebration. Security agencies have also disclosed enhanced measures around prayer grounds and other public spaces to ensure peaceful celebrations.
The timing of Eid-el-Fitr holds particular significance in Nigeria’s religious calendar as it coincides with various interfaith initiatives designed to promote harmony between Muslim and Christian communities. Religious scholars from both faiths have emphasized that such celebrations provide opportunities for strengthening national cohesion and understanding.
Professor Ibrahim Abdullah, a prominent Islamic theologian at Ahmadu Bello University, explained the spiritual significance of the occasion: “Eid-el-Fitr represents spiritual victory—the triumph of self-discipline and devotion demonstrated throughout Ramadan. The celebration acknowledges this achievement while emphasizing gratitude and community.
Economic analysts note that Eid celebrations typically generate significant commercial activity, with industries related to food, textiles, transportation, and hospitality experiencing substantial revenue increases. This economic impact has been particularly welcomed this year amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“The Eid season consistently provides a notable boost to local economies across the country,” observed Dr. Amina Yusuf, an economist at Lagos Business School. “From tailors working overtime to complete orders for new garments to food vendors preparing traditional delicacies, the celebration creates important income opportunities across various sectors.”
Charitable organizations have also mobilized for the occasion, coordinating zakat al-fitr distributions—the obligatory charity given before Eid prayers—to ensure disadvantaged community members can participate fully in the celebrations. Islamic relief agencies reported increased donations in the final days of Ramadan, enabling wider distribution of food staples and other necessities to vulnerable households.
The Sultan’s announcement resolves the anticipation that had built throughout the final days of Ramadan, as Muslims awaited confirmation of when the month would conclude. The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, requiring visual confirmation of the new moon rather than predetermined dates, which occasionally results in different countries or regions observing Eid on different days.
This year’s unified declaration for Nigeria ensures synchronized celebrations across the country’s diverse Muslim communities, from the predominantly Islamic northern states to significant Muslim populations in southwestern and southeastern regions.
As dawn breaks on Sunday, millions of Nigerian Muslims will don their finest attire and proceed to prayer grounds for the special Eid salat, marking the joyous conclusion to a month dedicated to spiritual growth, self-reflection, and heightened devotion. The atmosphere of celebration will continue throughout the day with family gatherings, community feasts, and various cultural expressions that have become integral to Nigeria’s observance of this important Islamic festival.
The Sultan concluded his announcement with prayers for peace, prosperity, and national unity, reminding the faithful that the spiritual benefits of Ramadan should manifest in continued dedication to charity, compassion, and community service in the months ahead.
