The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to the prevailing security situation in the Middle East.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
Adegbite explained that the decision followed recent developments in the region, including the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel, stressing that the safety and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims remain the commission’s top priority.
“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,” he said.
He added that the directive also affects pilgrimages being organised by private operators until the situation stabilises.
According to him, the commission is closely monitoring events and appreciates the cooperation of stakeholders and the media.
Adegbite called on Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East.
He further revealed that the commission had successfully concluded the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan, noting that the final batch of Christian pilgrims arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on 3 March 2026.
The NCPC boss expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, for their support.
“Without the President’s support, we would not have been able to conduct the five pilgrimages organised since my appointment two years ago,” he added.
