ABUJA: The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), on Tuesday announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to escalating security tensions in the Middle East.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of NCPC, disclosed this in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of the commission, in Abuja.
Adegbite said the move was necessary to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims.
“The recent developments in the Middle East, including the imposition of a state of emergency in Israel, have led to the suspension of all pilgrimage exercises.
“This includes trips organised by private operators until the situation stabilises,” he stated.
The NCPC is closely monitoring the situation and thanked stakeholders and the media for their cooperation. Adegbite also urged Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and across the region.
He confirmed that the 2025 Main Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan was successfully concluded, with the last batch of pilgrims returning safely to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on March 3.
The Executive Secretary expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, for their support, noting that their backing made it possible to conduct five pilgrimages since his appointment two years ago.
