President Bola Tinubu has urged all the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and worldwide observing the Ramadan fast to embrace the profound lessons of piety, humility, and selflessness embodied in the holy month.

The President also wished the Muslim faithful good health, spiritual fulfilment, and divine blessings during the sacred month of Ramadan.

Tinubu’s message comes as the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared Saturday, March 1, 2025 as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH in Nigeria.

The Sultan had, in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirmed the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country, stating that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.

“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH,” the Sultan said.

“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” he said.

He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use the period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.

He also encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians, even as he prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.

President Tinubu, while wishing the Muslim faithful well during the fast, described Ramadan as a time for deep reflection, renewed devotion to Allah, and acts of compassion and generosity toward humanity; a season of spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate.

“We are profoundly grateful to Almighty Allah for granting us the grace to witness the commencement of this holy month, a cornerstone of the Islamic faith,” Tinubu said in a statement he personally signed.

“Let us use this period to strengthen our bonds with Allah and one another, fostering unity and peace in our communities.

“The 2025 Ramadan holds special significance as it coincides with a period of renewed hope and progress for our nation,” he said.

He said his administration’s bold and transformative policies were beginning to yield positive results, as evidenced by the gradual stabilisation of the economy.

“The Gross Domestic Product for the last quarter of 2024 showed a marked improvement over the same period in 2023,” Tinubu said.

“The once-soaring prices of essential food items are now downward, providing much-needed relief to our fasting population and all Nigerians.

“The exchange rate is stabilising, and fuel prices are declining, signalling a brighter future,” he stated.

He said as the wet season approached, his government remained steadfast in boosting agricultural productivity.

“We are determined to enhance food production and ensure self-sufficiency and food security for all Nigerians through targeted input support, mechanisation, and innovative farming initiatives. Our resolve to build a resilient and prosperous nation remains unwavering.

“In this sacred month, I call on all Nigerians to join hands in prayer and action for our beloved country’s continued growth and development.

“Let us fervently seek Allah’s guidance and protection for our nation, and let our words and deeds reflect our shared commitment to peace, unity, and progress,” he said.

Earlier, the official platform providing updates on the Two Holy Mosques, Haramain Sharifain, confirmed the crescent moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan had been sighted in Saudi Arabia, implying that Ramadan will officially commence on Saturday, March 1.