Abuja – The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), on Tuesday announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel. This decision was prompted by the escalating security situation in the Middle East.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, conveyed this development in a statement released by Mr. Celestine Toruka, the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations in the commission, in Abuja.
“The recent developments in the Middle East, including the imposition of a state of emergency in Israel, have led to the putting on hold of all pilgrimage exercises,” Adegbite stated. He clarified that this suspension extends to pilgrimages conducted by private operators and will remain in effect until the situation normalizes.
The NCPC executive secretary assured the public that the commission is closely monitoring the situation and appreciated the cooperation of stakeholders and the media. He urged everyone to pray for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East region.
Bishop Adegbite also revealed that the NCPC had successfully concluded the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan. He confirmed that the last group of Christian pilgrims safely arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on March 3.
