By Ebi Kesiena
The Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimage activities to Israel following the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
The decision, conveyed through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), was disclosed on Tuesday by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Stephen Adegbite, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Celestine Toruka, in Abuja.
Adegbite explained that the suspension became necessary due to recent developments in the region, including the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel, stressing that the safety and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims remain the Commission’s top priority.
According to him, all pilgrimage exercises to Israel have been placed on hold until security conditions improve. The directive also applies to pilgrimage programmes being organised by private tour and pilgrimage operators.
“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 until the situation normalises,” Adegbite stated, adding that the Commission is closely monitoring events and will provide updates when necessary.
He called on Nigerians and the Christian faithful to pray for lasting peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East amid rising tensions.
Despite the suspension, the NCPC confirmed the successful completion of the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan. Adegbite revealed that the final batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims safely returned to the country, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on March 3.
The NCPC boss also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, for their continued support toward the Commission’s activities.
