The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has declared Thursday, 19th March and Friday, 20th March 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and urged them to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month.

The Minister also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the nation’s continued peace, unity, and prosperity.

While encouraging citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to those in need, Tunji-Ojo assured that the federal government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced the beginning of the search for the Shawwal crescent, marking the end of Ramadan 1447AH and the commencement of Eid celebrations.

The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, made the call in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

The statement, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu, announced that Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been set aside for the nationwide moon sighting.

Muslims were urged to look out for the new crescent on that day and report any credible sighting promptly.