The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimage activities to Israel, citing the deteriorating security climate in the Middle East.
The directive was conveyed through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said the move was a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding Nigerian lives.
“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,” the statement read.
Bishop Adegbite emphasized that the Commission would not compromise the safety and well-being of pilgrims under any circumstance. According to him, protecting Nigerian citizens remains the Commission’s highest responsibility.
The suspension is sweeping in scope. It covers all official pilgrimage exercises coordinated by the NCPC, tours organized by private pilgrimage operators, and every other related activity linked to Christian pilgrimages to Israel.
The Commission made it clear that the pause will remain in place until the security situation improves and credible assurances of safety are established.
2025 Pilgrimage Successfully Concluded
Despite the sudden halt, the NCPC disclosed that the 2025 Main Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan had already been completed before tensions escalated further.
The last group of Nigerian pilgrims returned safely on March 3, landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport just before the suspension directive was issued.
Officials described the 2025 exercise as successful and incident-free, noting that all pilgrims were accounted for and safely reunited with their families.
While the Commission continues to monitor unfolding developments, Bishop Adegbite urged intending pilgrims, tour operators, and the media to remain calm and cooperative.
He also called on Christians in Nigeria and across the world to pray for peace in Jerusalem and stability across the Middle East region.
The Federal Government reassured citizens that pilgrimage activities will resume once the situation normalizes and security conditions are deemed safe.
Until then, the NCPC says it will provide timely updates as events unfold.
Nigeria Suspends Christian Pilgrimage to Israel Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
