Sultan Declares Islamic New Year as Sokoto Shuts Down for Public Holiday

Muslims across Nigeria have officially entered a new Islamic year after the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH, according to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and other local media outlets.

The announcement, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, was conveyed in a statement issued by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council.

Following the declaration, the Sokoto State Government announced a public holiday to enable Muslims across the state to commemorate the start of the new Islamic year. The development was confirmed in a statement by Abubakar Bawa, Director-General of Media and Publicity to Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

According to reports by Daily Trust and The Nation, Governor Aliyu urged residents to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity, and an end to the insecurity affecting parts of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole.

The governor described insecurity as one of the country’s biggest obstacles to development, stressing that tackling banditry and other criminal activities requires collective action from both government and citizens.

“We need to understand that securing our country is a collective responsibility,” Aliyu was quoted as saying, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in the fight against crime.

As Muslims begin the year 1448AH, the governor also called for self-reflection, repentance, and renewed dedication to righteous living, encouraging the faithful to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

The commencement of Muharram is regarded as one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing a fresh spiritual beginning for millions of Muslims worldwide.

Governor Aliyu concluded by wishing Muslims in Sokoto and across Nigeria a peaceful, prosperous, and rewarding Islamic New Year.