Lagos Chief Imam says Ramadan fasting will begin with Sultan of Sokoto’s announcement
By BASIRAT SHITTU
“This is the programme of Allah and it is what we, the Muslims in Lagos State, will follow so as to achieve stronger unity among Muslims in the state. Allah says Atiullah wa atiurasul wa ahluli amuru minkum – Obey Allah, obey his messenger and those in authority among you.”
The Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Shaykh (Engr.) Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou Nolla, has announced that Muslims in Lagos State will commence and conclude this year’s Ramadan fasting in line with the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni.
Speaking in a video message monitored by The DEFENDER on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Chief Imam said the practice remains consistent with previous years, stressing the importance of patience while awaiting the official announcement of the sighting of the Ramadan moon from the Sultan of Sokoto, who is regarded as the leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
Shaykh Abou Nollah opened the message with prayers for the Muslim community in Lagos State and the wider South-West region, urging Muslims to maintain unity and obedience to constituted religious authority. He cited the Qur’anic injunction calling on believers to obey Allah, His Messenger, and those placed in authority over them, noting that adherence to this principle strengthens cohesion among Muslims in the state.
According to him, following the Sultan’s directive on the commencement of Ramadan is a religious obligation and a unifying factor for Muslims in Lagos. He added that such unity is essential for the overall progress and harmony of the Muslim community.
The Chief Imam also invited Muslims, particularly those on and around Lagos Island, to observe Tarawih prayers at the Lagos Central Mosque once Ramadan begins. He further called on the faithful to offer prayers for Lagos State and Nigeria throughout the holy month.
Shaykh Abou Nolla, according to the video said “as we did it the year before so we shall do it this year. We should be patient to hear announcement of Ramadan moon sighting from the leader of Muslims in this country, Fadilatullah Ash-Shaykh Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, Sultan of Sokoto Hafizullah.
“This is the programme of Allah and it is what we, the Muslims in Lagos State, will follow so as to achieve stronger unity among Muslims in the state. Allah says Atiullah wa atiurasul wa ahluli amuru minkum – Obey Allah, obey his messenger and those in authority among you.
“In the meantime, people in and around Lagos Island should join us for Tarawih at the Lagos Central Mosque. Do not forget the moment we enter into the Holy Month of Ramadan, let us pray for Lagos State and Nigeria,” the Chief Imam said, according to the message captured in the video.
The DEFENDER reports that Ramadan fasting remains one of the strongest symbols of unity among Muslims across Nigeria. The report notes that the Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate has continued to play a central role in fostering peace, unity, and development among Nigerian Muslims since his ascension to the Usmaniyyah throne on November 2, 2006.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CHIEF IMAM OF LAGOS’ PRE-RANADAN MESSAGE
