Sultan Urges Traders to Lower Food Prices Ahead of Ramadan

• NSCIA urged Muslims to sight the Ramadan crescent on February 28, with fasting beginning March 1 or 2, 2025

• Wealthy Muslims were encouraged to support the less privileged, while traders were warned against hoarding or inflating food prices

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across the country to look for the 2025 (1446 AH) Ramadan moon today, Friday.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NSCIA Secretary General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, relayed the Sultan’s directive based on advice from the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC).

“Following the NMSC’s recommendation, the President-General urges Nigerian Muslims to search for the Ramadan 1446 AH crescent immediately after sunset on Friday, 28th February 2025, which corresponds to 29th Sha’aban 1446 AH.

“If credible witnesses confirm the sighting, His Eminence will declare Saturday, 1st March 2025, as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. However, if the crescent is not sighted, then Sunday, 2nd March 2025, will automatically mark the beginning of Ramadan,” the Sultan stated.

The council prayed for Allah to grant all Muslims the opportunity to observe the fasting period and maximize its spiritual benefits.

Additionally, the NSCIA emphasized that beyond the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, some NMSC members could be contacted to report credible moon sightings.

Addressing the nation’s economic challenges, the council encouraged wealthy Muslims to extend charitable acts to the less privileged before, during, and after Ramadan.

It also urged traders to refrain from hoarding food products or inflating prices during fasting.

The Sultan extended his best wishes to Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts worldwide for a blessed and rewarding Ramadan in advance.