The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on Muslims across the country to look out for the 2025 Ramadan moon on Friday, February 28.
The council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by its Secretary General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
According to the statement, if the crescent is sighted on Friday evening, then Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH.
“The council hereby enjoins Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the Ramadan crescent on the night of Friday, 28th of February 2025 and await the official announcement by the President-General of NSCIA on the commencement of the 1446 AH Ramadan fast,” the statement stated.
Muslims who sight the moon are encouraged to report to the moon-sighting committee, while the nation awaits an official announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto.
“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Saturday, 1st March 2025 as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Sunday, 2nd March 2025, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1446 AH”, he said.
Bauchi, Kebbi Shut Schools for Ramadan
Meanwhile, the Bauchi and Kebbi State Governments have announced a five-week school closure in observance of the holy month.
In Bauchi, schools will close from February 26, 2025, and will remain on break until after Ramadan and the Salah celebrations, with classes set to resume on April 6, 2025.
Similarly, in Kebbi, the state government has adjusted the 2024/2025 academic calendar, closing the second term on February 28, 2025, and beginning the Ramadan break on March 1, 2025. Schools in Kebbi will reopen for the third term on April 7, 2025.
A statement from Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the changes, saying they were made in recognition of the importance of Ramadan for Muslim students and teachers.
Call for Charity and Fair Pricing During Ramadan
However, the NSCIA also urged wealthy Muslims to support the less privileged before, during, and after Ramadan, especially given the current economic challenges in the country.
The council further advised traders against hoarding essential food items or hiking prices during the fasting period, urging them to consider the struggles of Nigerians.
“The council, once again, admonishes traders to neither hoard food products nor unduly hike the prices of consumer goods during the period of the fast,” the statement said further.
