By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, says the moon marking the beginning of Shawwal has not been sighted in Nigeria.
The Sultan made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Sultanate council advisory committee on religious affairs in conjunction with the national moon sighting committee.
Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and chairman of the council, signed the statement.
The announcement indicates that Friday, March 20, will be observed as Eid-el-Fitr.
Eid-el-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The declaration follows reports from various moon-sighting committees across the country.
“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),” the statement reads.
“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.”