The Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims across Nigeria to take part in sighting the new moon that signals the start of Muharram and the Islamic New Year. Multiple outlets report that the Sultan and the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, issue a directive for Muslims nationwide to look out for the crescent. The moon-sighting exercise is described as a key step in determining when the Islamic New Year begins. The guidance is issued ahead of Muharram 1448AH, with the expectation that confirmation of the crescent will inform the official commencement date observed by communities. While outlets differ slightly in phrasing, they consistently state that the Sultan’s call focuses on public participation in the religious determination process for the new lunar month, rather than setting a fixed date in advance. The statements indicate that the outcome of the sighting will be used to mark the start of the Islamic New Year.