The Nigerian government has declared Thursday, April 11, 2024, as an additional public holiday to commemorate Eid-El-Fitr.
The government had on Sunday declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
However, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar on Wednesday announced, April 10, 2024, for the celebration of Eid-El-Fitr in the country.
The leader of the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria made this declaration while announcing that there was no report of sighting of the new moon of Shawwal anywhere in the country on Monday to mark the end of the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
By implication, Muslim worshippers in the country are mandated to continue the fasting on Tuesday and celebrate Eid on Wednesday.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, in a statement shared on the ministry’s X account on Tuesday, stated that government has approved Thursday, April 11, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid -El-Fitr.
The statement said, “The Federal Government has approved Thursday, April 11, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid -El-Fitr.
“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.”
Saudi Arabia, on Monday, said the crescent of Shawwal has not been sighted, indicating that the fasting will continue on Tuesday.
It also added that the Eid-El-Fitr would hold on Wednesday, April 10 to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.