The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Adeleke’s wife distributes N25million Remi Tinubu business grant to traders

    Adeleke’s wife distributes N25million Remi Tinubu business grant to traders

    The Osun State First Lady, Chief Titilola Adeleke, has distributed a ₦25 million business grant donated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu to traders across the state, as part of efforts to strengthen economic empowerment and support small-scale businesses.

    The grants were presented to 500 traders drawn from various parts of the state at the Osun State Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, on Thursday.

    Speaking at the event, Mrs Adeleke commended Senator Tinubu for her continued support for women at the grassroots, particularly in boosting livelihoods and improving family welfare.

    Read Also: Adeleke to Tinubu: intervene in crisis

    She urged the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds and cautioned against spending the grants on frivolous activities.

    According to her, proper utilisation of the grants would enhance business profits, ease economic pressures, and enable the beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and societal development.

    Earlier, the wife of the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Adenike Adeleke, praised Nigeria’s First Lady for prioritising the welfare of women, children, girls, the elderly, and widows.

    Also speaking, the Iyaloja-General of Osun State, Chief Mary Oyebode, pledged on behalf of the beneficiaries that the grants would be used strictly for their intended purposes.

  • Nigeria targets $7.7trn global halal market, as Tinubu launches national strategy

    Nigeria targets $7.7trn global halal market, as Tinubu launches national strategy

    • …plan will unlock $12bn value, boost exports, jobs, halal-friendly tourism — Shettima

    The Federal Government on Thursday launched Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy, as it moved to position the country to tap into the $7.7 trillion global halal market and diversify the economy through exports, industrial value chains and ethical finance.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the strategy at the State House, Abuja, describing it as a signal of Nigeria’s readiness to take a “huge chunk” of a global market expected to add an estimated $1.5 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2027.

    Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said “it is with this sense of responsibility that I formally unveil the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy”.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu said “this document is a declaration of our promise to meet global standards with Nigerian capacity and to convert opportunity into lasting economic value”.

    The Vice President called for “disciplined, inclusive, and measurable” implementation, stressing that the strategy must translate into “jobs, exports, and shared prosperity across our nation.”

    He announced that the strategy committee would be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, whom he described as “supremely competent.”

    Shettima outlined the plan’s key ambitions up to 2030, including expanding halal-compliant food exports, developing pharmaceutical and cosmetic value chains, positioning Nigeria as a halal-friendly tourism destination, and mobilising ethical finance at scale.

    According to him, the combined efforts “are projected to unlock over twelve billion dollars in economic value, while strengthening food security, deepening industrial capacity, and creating opportunities for small-and-medium-sized enterprises across our states.”

    Addressing concerns linking halal to religious affiliation, Shettima said the global halal economy had outgrown “parochial interpretations,” explaining that it is now defined by “trust,” with systems that emphasise “quality, traceability, safety, and ethical production.”

    He noted that these principles appeal widely to consumers and investors seeking certainty in how goods are produced, financed and delivered.

    The Vice President also said several Western economies have integrated halal into their export and quality-assurance systems, naming the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as among leading producers, certifiers and exporters of halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and financial products.

    “The halal economy is a global market framework rooted in standards, safety, and consumer trust, not geography or belief,” he said.

    Shettima said the strategy was inspired by the Tinubu administration’s commitment to diversifying exports, attracting foreign direct investment and create sustainable jobs across the federation.

    He disclosed that it was developed through partnerships involving the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, alongside Dar Al Halal Group Nigeria, with technical backing from institutions including the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.

    The Vice President also linked the initiative to Nigeria’s recent state visit to Türkiye, which he said reinforced the country’s drive to build a globally competitive halal ecosystem.

    A major outcome of that visit was the signing of an agreement on Halal Quality Infrastructure between Nigeria and Türkiye, aimed at strengthening standards, accreditation, certification and quality assurance systems to boost international acceptance of Nigerian halal products and services.

    Speaking at the event, Oduwole said the strategy was a public-private collaboration shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement.

    She said the private sector led the drive to make it a “whole-of-government and whole-of-country intervention,” with the Office of the Vice President coordinating ministries, departments, and agencies, while her ministry played a pivotal role.

    “What the Halal Strategy has done for Nigeria is to position us among countries that export Halal-certified goods across the world,” she said.

    Oduwole added that Nigeria would leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand exports of halal-friendly goods across Africa and beyond, stressing that participation would be voluntary.

    Also speaking, Chairman and CEO of Dar Al-Halal Group Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Ladan, said an export programme was already underway through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to onboard Nigerian companies into the Saudi Arabian market and other destinations.

    He described the strategy as a landmark opportunity that would create market access and attract foreign direct investment.

    In a message from the French Embassy, Financial Counsellor Carole Lebreton, representing French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier, said the strategy was significant for Nigeria–France relations, noting that France was exploring more ways to build socio-economic bridges with Nigeria.

    She said the French government was ready to support Nigeria’s export drive, especially in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

    Other dignitaries at the unveiling included the CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni; Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr. Olasupo Olusi; and the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle Johnson.

    The strategy, developed by HPDC of Saudi Arabia, is an outcome of the bilateral cooperation agreement signed between Nigeria and HPDC in February 2025 at the Makkah Halal Forum, aimed at deepening Nigeria–Saudi economic relations, improving market access, and integrating Nigeria into international halal value chains.

  • Cancer: FG intensifies cancer fight, launches new policies, activates 8 oncology centres

    Cancer: FG intensifies cancer fight, launches new policies, activates 8 oncology centres

    The federal government is intensifying efforts in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment through new national policies, expanded vaccination, upgraded facilities, and free nationwide screening programmes, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has said.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Cancer Day, Salako said the government has prioritised cancer prevention by integrating preventive vaccines into the national immunisation programme, expanding screening services, and addressing modifiable risk factors linked to cancer deaths.

    He explained that the focus on prevention became necessary because more than 40 per cent of cancer deaths globally are linked to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, obesity, and air pollution.

    “This means that nearly half of cancers could be prevented through public health interventions,” he said.

    Salako disclosed that Nigeria has developed two major policy documents to strengthen cancer control nationwide: the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan, the first of its kind in the country, and the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026–2030.

    The NCCP will guide federal and state governments, development partners, and other stakeholders to improve cancer prevention, screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, research, survivorship, and end-of-life care.

    The Minister said the plan prioritises vaccination, equitable access to screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, expansion of palliative care, use of technology, including precision oncology and artificial intelligence, workforce development, and sustainable financing.

    “These documents will strengthen our relentless effort to provide clear policy pathways towards improving the quality of life of cancer patients, and increased investment in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research,” he said.

    Salako noted that the policies align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Health Act, the WHO cancer strategies, and global initiatives on childhood and breast cancer.

    Furthermore, he said Nigeria is also collaborating with Egypt and Kenya to establish the African Oncology Collaborative Network to strengthen oncology systems across the continent, which will be unveiled before the end of the third quarter of 2026.

    Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Salako cited global data showing that about 20 million new cancer cases were recorded worldwide in 2025, with over 10 million deaths.

    “Although age-adjusted cancer death rates have declined globally, it has been predicted that there may be more than 30 million new cancer diagnoses by 2050 due to a growing and ageing population,” he said, warning that low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria face disproportionately higher cancer burden and death rates.

    The Minister said the government has expanded screening and treatment capacity through the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), including the provision of mammography machines and other equipment to Federal Medical Centres in Abuja and Ebute-Meta; University of Benin Teaching Hospital; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu; Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto; Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.

    “This means that Nigerians can now routinely undertake breast cancer screening services in these hospitals and not wait for ad hoc screening activities,” he said.

    As part of World Cancer Day activities, Salako said the Ministry, in collaboration with NICRAT, is sponsoring free cancer screening services across the country throughout February.

    The programme began at FMC Abuja and will be officially flagged off on February 7 at FMC Abeokuta, before moving to Abakaliki and Jos.

    He said the target is to screen a minimum of 1,000 Nigerians per region, adding, “I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the free screening services to promote cancer awareness and early detection for favourable treatment outcomes”.

    He formally unveiled the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan and the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, and declared the eight preventive oncology clinics operational nationwide, “Prevention is not only better, but it is also cheaper,” he said.

    The Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, highlighted persistent gaps in prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care, noting uneven access to quality services.

    “Too many Nigerians still face barriers to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care,” he said, stressing that addressing these inequities is central to NICRAT’s mandate.

    He said late presentation continues to undermine treatment outcomes, prompting the launch of the Renewed Hope National Initiative for Cancer Early Detection, Screening, and Coordinated Access to Networked Care, establishing National Cancer Screening Centres in eight facilities across the six geopolitical zones.

    He said NICRAT is also reviving brachytherapy services nationwide and investing in workforce development through training and continuous professional development for specialists.

    “While every cancer journey is deeply personal and unique, our response must be united across disciplines, institutions, sectors, and borders to ensure that no one is left behind,” Aliyu said.

    He added that NICRAT’s Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research (SINCAR) project is enhancing research capacity, while the expansion of the National Cancer Registry is improving data quality for informed policy.

    “Every statistic represents a human life, every policy must centre on people,” he said, reaffirming NICRAT’s commitment to a comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable cancer control response in Nigeria.

    On the activated National Cancer Screening Centres, the DG said, “The centres will provide screening for the most common cancers in Nigeria, including breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers. We have also incorporated skin cancer screening on a compassionate basis, particularly for persons living with albinism.

    “We are working to integrate cancer screening into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients and make these services more accessible.

    “The FMC Jabi centre, along with our other centres nationwide, is fully equipped and has already commenced screening services.

    “We plan to operate daily on weekdays, with a team of medical personnel, including oncologists, surgeons, dermatologists, gynaecologists, and family medicine doctors drawn from participating federal health institutions to ensure comprehensive care.”

  • Hundeyin’s promotion followed due process – Ex-AIG Yaro

    Hundeyin’s promotion followed due process – Ex-AIG Yaro

    A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Abutu Yaro, has dismissed claims that the promotion of the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin, was secretly approved by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

    Yaro said the promotion followed due process and was carried out in line with constitutional provisions and service rules, stressing that it fell within the exclusive authority of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    He described allegations of favouritism as unfounded, noting that promotions from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) are handled solely by the PSC.

    According to Yaro, Hundeyin met the eligibility requirements for the position of FPRO, which include a minimum rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, a university degree or equivalent, at least 10 years of meritorious service, emotional stability, a clean disciplinary record, and professional competence in public relations or broadcasting.

    He added that officers appointed to the role are also exposed to specialised training and capacity-building programmes supported by media consultants engaged by the police.

    Explaining the promotion framework, Yaro said promotions for constables to inspectors are handled internally by the police hierarchy, while promotions for inspectorate officers involve an Inspectorate Selection Board. However, he stressed that promotions for superior officers remain the sole responsibility of the PSC.

    Read Also: JUST IN: IGP appoints CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as new FPRO 

    “There is a clause for accelerated promotion in our service manuals,” Yaro said, explaining that officers may be promoted ahead of schedule where performance evaluations and recommendations justify such advancement.

    Addressing concerns about transparency, Yaro noted that police promotions are governed by established regulations and PSC guidelines, adding that public agitation over service matters is prohibited within the force.

    “Promotions to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police are strictly on the PSC schedule. Any inquiry into the criteria applied should be directed to the Police Service Commission, which is an independent constitutional body,” he said.

    He also dismissed claims that the IGP personally promoted Hundeyin, describing them as “misplaced and misleading.”

    “The Inspector-General of Police does not have the authority to promote an Assistant Commissioner of Police. His powers are limited to promotions from constable to inspector. Promotions from ASP to DIG are handled exclusively by the Police Service Commission,” Yaro stated.

    Meanwhile, a senior police officer familiar with internal procedures said the office of the Force Public Relations Officer is structurally designated for an officer of at least the rank of ACP.

    “Anyone appointed to the office who is below the rank of ACP must be promoted to occupy the position. This is standard practice. It is about the office, not the individual,” the officer said.

    He cited former FPROs Frank Mba, Jimoh Moshood, and Olumuyiwa Adejobi as precedents, noting that similar conventions apply across other security agencies.

    “It is not about Hundeyin. It is about the office. The office of FPRO comes with a defined rank, and whoever is appointed must meet that requirement,” he added.

    The officer further stated that the only recommendation forwarded by the IGP to the PSC was Hundeyin’s, based on his appointment.

    “Any other promotions are entirely at the discretion of the Police Service Commission. The IGP does not determine those outcomes,” he said.

  • NBA threatens boycott of Enugu CJ’s court over delay in Bright Ngene’s appeal

    NBA threatens boycott of Enugu CJ’s court over delay in Bright Ngene’s appeal

     The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to boycott proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Enugu State over what it described as persistent delays in the hearing of an appeal involving a legal practitioner, Mr. Bright Ngene.

    The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA, which expressed concern that the delay raises serious issues about the protection of lawyers’ rights and public confidence in the administration of justice.

    To address the situation, NEC resolved to constitute a five-member intervention committee to interface directly with the Chief Judge of Enugu State and ensure that a hearing date for the appeal is fixed within two weeks.

    The committee is to be chaired by Mr. Sammie Somiari, SAN. Other members include Mr. Musa Attah, SAN; the Chairman of the NBA Enugu Branch, Mr. V. C. Odo, Esq.; Hon. Chidi Aroh; and Ms. Osato Uwagboe. Two senior advocates, Mr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and Mr. Abdul Muhammed, SAN, also volunteered to serve on the committee.

    According to the resolution, the committee’s mandate is to engage with the Chief Judge to secure an expedited hearing of the appeal “in the interest of justice and fairness.”

    Read Also: NBA moves to penalise branch chairman for naming ex-convict grand patron

    NEC further warned that if a hearing date is not fixed within the stipulated period, NBA branches in Enugu State would commence a boycott of proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge.

    The Association also indicated that it would explore additional measures, including the institution of legal action, to challenge what it views as a violation of Mr. Ngene’s fundamental rights.

    The NBA said the move reflects its commitment to defending due process, protecting its members, and ensuring that delays or administrative lapses do not undermine the justice system.

  • BAS Capital Announces Acquisition of DOT Microinsurance Limited

    BAS Capital Announces Acquisition of DOT Microinsurance Limited

    BAS Capital has announced its acquisition of DOT Microinsurance Limited. The public disclosure follows regulatory approvals, including NAICOM’s No Objection for the restructuring of DOT Microinsurance’s shareholding, issued on August 7, 2025.

    DOT Microinsurance Limited operates within Nigeria’s microinsurance sector, providing accessible risk protection to individuals and small businesses.

    The acquisition supports BAS Group’s long-term strategy to build an inclusive, resilient financial services ecosystem across Africa.

  • Makinde appoints executive adviser on security coordination

    Makinde appoints executive adviser on security coordination

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Major-General Lukman Tokunbo Omoniyi (Rtd) as his Executive Adviser on Security Coordination.

    The appointment, contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, is with immediate effect.

    While congratulating Omoniyi on the appointment, Governor Makinde urged him to ensure effective coordination of security activities in the state with a view to making every part of the state safe and everyone secure.

    Read Also: HoS lauds Makinde’s foreign training for workers

    General Omoniyi (rtd) is a seasoned senior infantry officer who has held various command, staff, and instructional appointments in military formations and units.

    He holds a Master of Science Degree in Humanitarian and Refugee Studies in addition to another Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies, both from the prestigious University of Ibadan.

    He is currently working on his Doctorate Degree in Peace, Security, and Humanitarian Studies at the University of Ibadan.

  • FG stops use of tax credits for road construction

    FG stops use of tax credits for road construction

    The federal government has ended the system where big companies use their tax money to build roads instead of paying it into the government’s account.

    From now on, the government insists that all road projects must be handled through the normal budget process approved by the National Assembly.

    The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, made this known on Wednesday. He explained that this change is necessary to follow the Nigerian Constitution and financial laws.

    Under the old system, known as the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, major companies like Dangote, BUA, and MTN were allowed to fix federal roads and then subtract the cost from the taxes they owed the government.

    Mr. Adedeji said that even though the plan was meant to help the country, it was causing a problem with how the law works. He stated that the job of the tax office is to collect money, not to decide how that money is spent on construction.

    “No matter how good a programme is, the first thing that it must have is good products. The remits of the Nigeria Revenue Service are to assess, to collect, and to account for taxes. Appropriation is not part of the remits of the Nigeria Revenue Service,” Adedeji said.

    He further explained that when a company is given a tax credit to build a road, it is like the government is spending money without following the proper rules. He said the tax office must collect the money first and give it to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which is the body mandated by law to share and handle public funds.

    “When you give tax credits for roads, it is an appropriation act, because you spent the money, but your remit is to collect and give it to the constitutional body that will sign that money,” he added.

    Apart from the law, the NRS boss said his agency does not have the engineers or the technical skills to check if a road built by a company is actually worth the amount of tax they are claiming. He said while companies are still welcome to fund roads, the government must be the one to approve how public money is used.

    This decision comes after a big gap was created when the NNPC stopped funding roads through this scheme in 2025, leaving about N3 trillion worth of projects without money. Before now, NNPC had paid for over 21 roads, including the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Because of this, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the government is now looking for new partnerships with private investors to finish these roads.

    Read Also: Hashim: New tax reforms will put Nigeria in global GDP league

    Many big projects are affected by this shift. For years, Dangote Group used tax credits for the road leading to the Lekki Deep Seaport, while BUA Group worked on the Bode-Saadu-Lafiagi Road. Other companies like MTN worked on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, and NLNG funded the Bodo-Bonny Bridge in Rivers State.

    The government believes that by going back to the central budget system, it can make sure all spending is transparent and follows the law. This ensures that every kobo collected as tax is properly accounted for before it is spent on infrastructure.

  • AbdulRazaq visits Kaiama, Woro, orders humanitarian support for terror victims

    AbdulRazaq visits Kaiama, Woro, orders humanitarian support for terror victims

    Kwara  Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed the state emergency management agency to mobilise support for victims of the Tuesday’s night terror attacks in Woro, Kaiama Local Government Area. 

    The Governor made the directive around 2 am on Thursday following his visit to the community where he commiserated with the victims, the Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar and people of Kaiama Emirate over the attack.

    The Governor first arrived Kaiama on Wednesday night in company of Speaker Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, security commanders and senior government officials. 

    The Head of Woro, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, and his chiefs also joined the Emir to receive the Governor. 

    At least 75 people of the Muslim majority village died with  properties lost to the incident that occurred on Tuesday, the Governor told reporters shortly after receiving briefings from security forces and community leaders. 

    The Governor, who prayed for the repose of the deceased, announced the immediate deployment of soldiers to the area by the President under Operation Savannah Shield. 

    “We are very sad. We are here today to commiserate with your Royal Highness over the death of 75 of your subjects. May Allaah grant them Al-jannah Firdaus,” the Governor said at the Emir’s Palace on Wednesday.

    “Your Emirate is versatile and from the information we have been getting, these victims were massacred, because they refused to succumb to a strange Islamic doctrine. 

    “This is different from what we used to see, where subjects were being kidnapped for ransom. This was a pure massacre. We commiserate with you.”

    AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving an immediate deployment of a battalion of soldiers under ‘Operation Savannah Shield’.

    Read Also: APC best party to govern Nigeria, says AbdulRazaq

    “At the moment, the state emergency services will be going to carry out the enumeration and look for how to take care of the members of the family,” Governor AbdulRazaq said. 

    “We thank the security agencies for doing a yeoman’s job, swinging from one part of the state to the other. As such, the issues in Kwara South have been subdued largely. 

    “This is a major challenge to tackle now, because it goes beyond Kwara and goes (also) to the Kainji Park in Niger state. They have murdered sleep and I can assure you that within the next one month, the whole place will be flooded with soldiers. And the results will be positive, God willing.”

    Muazu told the Governor that the attackers were followers of Mahmuda who preached strange ideology and attacked those who rejected their doctrine.

    He appreciated the Governor for his swift action and support.

    He said: “We, the people of Kaiama, are highly moved by Your Excellency’s presence to commiserate with us, bearing in mind that you just returned from a trip. What happened at Woro yesterday was very unfortunate…We lost a large number of people. We only pray for the repose of their souls,” the Emir said.

    “We appreciate Your Excellency and the security team for this visit. This has given me further assurance that we are part of the whole system.”

  • League of Imams announces date for start of Ramadan

    League of Imams announces date for start of Ramadan

    Prominent Islamic leaders and scholars under the platform of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland have announced February 18 as the commencement date for this year’s Ramadan fast.

    The declaration was contained in a communiqué read to journalists by the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, at the end of the league’s meeting held on Thursday in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

    The meeting was attended by the President General of the league, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere; the Chief Imam of Ogun State, Sheikh Saadulah Bamgbola; the Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun; and the Grand Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede.

    Also present were the Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Lagos State, Sheikh Seifudeen Ademoritan Olowooribi; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the league, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory; the Secretary General, Sheikh Mustapha Adewale Hossein Doak; Professor Kamil Oloso; Dr Abdul-Barri Adetunji; and other prominent Islamic leaders and scholars from the six states in southwestern Nigeria.

    In the communiqué, the league stated that Ramadan would begin on Wednesday, February 18, based on its findings and calculations.

    It explained that the decision was guided by resolutions of the first session of the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee held in Istanbul between November 27 and 30, 1978, and later affirmed by the International Fiqh Council in its Resolution No. 18 at its third conference in 1986. The league also cited the outcomes of a scientific symposium held in Paris in February 2012.

    According to the league, the announcement is further supported by resolutions of the International Conference on the Confirmation of Lunar Months and decisions of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy.

    Read Also: Yari to distribute 746 trucks of food for Ramadan

    Based on these considerations, the league reaffirmed that the Ramadan fast will commence on Wednesday, February 18.

    “Communique from the office of the Grand Mufti of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland regarding the determination of the beginning and termination of the blessed month of Ramadan for the Year 1447AH – 2026 CE. The first day of Ramadan 1447 AH, Insha Allah, will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026

    “The league also takes this opportunity to announce the beginning of the month of Ramadan in the year 1447 AH (2026 CE), in accordance with the resolutions of the first session of the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee held in Istanbul from 26-29 Dhul-Hijjah 1389 AH (November 27-30, 1978 CE).

    “This is also based on the confirmation by the International Fiqh Council in its Resolution No. (18) during its third conference in 1986, as well as the outcomes of the scientific symposium held in Paris on 12-13 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1433 AH (February 4-5, 2012 CE), which was titled “The Beginning of Hijrah Months and the Hijrah Calendar.”

    “Additionally, this announcement is based on the outcomes of the International Conference on the Confirmation of Lunar Months, attended by scholars of Sharia and astronomical calculations, as well as the resolutions of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) from 19-21 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1433 AH (February 11-13, 2012 CE), which was attended by a large number of jurists and Muslims astronomers.

    “Furthermore, it is based on the outcomes of the International Conference on the Unification of the Hijrah Calendar held in Istanbul from 21-23 Sha’ban 1437 AH (May 28-30, 2016 CE), which was attended by representatives from over ninety countries, including ministries of endowments, fatwa councils, scholars, jurists, and astronomers, as well as representatives from most Islamic jurisprudential councils worldwide.

    “These conferences established a set of fundamental principles and standards, the most important of which are: The basis for the beginning of a month is its confirmation through definitive means. Scientific astronomical calculations inform us in advance and definitively about the possibility of sighting the crescent moon, and there can be no contradiction to its confirmation. Differences in moon sighting locations are not considered, based on the general ruling:

    “Based on the above facts, the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland hereby announces the following: Precise astronomical calculations for the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447AH confirm that the conjunction (Astronomical New Moon) will occur at (12:01 PM) Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to 29 Sha’ban 1447AH, which is 1:01 (1:01 PM) local time in Nigeria.

    “The commencement of Ramadan is confirmed based on the following three key astronomical and Sharia criteria: The conjunction of the Ramadan moon shall occur on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, 29th Shaaban 1447 A.H. at 1:01 PM (Nigeria Local Time), which is before sunset across Nigeria.

    “On the evening of 17th February 2026, the moon shall set after the sun throughout Nigeria, remaining above the horizon for approximately 12 minutes. With these conditions fulfilled, the crescent shall be visible on the evening of Wednesday, 18th February 2026, across Nigeria, in shāʾ Allāh. Consequently, Wednesday, 18th February 2026, is confirmed as the 1st day of Ramadan.

    “Furthermore, the League wishes to clarify that Wednesday, 18th March 2026, shall mark the 29th day of Ramadan. There shall be no possibility of crescent sighting on the evening of 18th March 2026, as the astronomical conjunction will not yet have occurred, meaning there will be no moon at all in existence for sighting on that evening.

    “The conjunction for the month of Shawwāl shall occur on Thursday, 19th March 2026 at 2:23 PM (Nigeria Local Time). Consequently, Ramadan this year shall be completed in 30 days, and fasting shall not end at 29 days.

    “Any claim of crescent sighting before conjunction is therefore astronomically, Islamically, and scientifically erroneous and should be disregarded. The League reiterates that astronomical calculation, alongside visual sighting and completion of 30 days, constitutes one of the three valid Islamic methods for determining the commencement of Islamic months. This methodology has been consistently adopted by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land for nearly five decades, as established by our founding fathers.

    “This approach has remained a pillar of unity, consistency, and religious harmony among Muslims in Southwest Nigeria, and the League remains committed to it. We pray that Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, and acts of worship, and grants the Ummah peace, unity, and spiritual elevation throughout this blessed month. This declaration is based on established astronomical and Sharʿīah criteria, in line with the long-standing methodology adopted by the League (Rabitah), which is rooted in scholarship, precision, and communal unity. We ask Allah Almighty to unite our ranks, bring us together in harmony, and accept our righteous deeds.