Earlier in the week, the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar, advised Nigerian Muslims to observe their 'Eid' prayers at home with their families or alone if there is no one to pray with.

Muslims observe the Eid-ul-Fitri prayer to mark the end of the Ramadan fast.

"The said 'Eid-ul-Fitr Prayer be observed at home with family members or alone in case there isn't anyone with him or her, at home," the JNI said in a statement by its Secretary-General, Khalid Aliyu.

Some state governments have, however, approved religious gatherings in view of the 'eid prayers.

"However, in states where Governments have reached concrete decisions to observe the 'Eid-el-Fitr prayer, based on their medical experts advice, strictest measures of distancing, face masks and sanitizers be taken to protect worshipers," Mr Aliyu said.