The Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of Christian pilgrimages to Israel, citing the worsening security situation in the Middle East.
The directive was issued through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), with its Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, confirming the development in a statement released in Abuja.
The statement was signed by the Commission’s Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka.
According to the Commission, the decision followed recent developments in the region, including the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel, which has raised safety concerns for intending pilgrims.
“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.
The suspension affects both government-coordinated pilgrimages and those organised by private tour operators.
The Commission stressed that the safety and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims remain its top priority.
The NCPC further disclosed that it is closely monitoring the situation and will review the suspension once conditions improve.
Despite the latest development, the Commission confirmed that it successfully concluded the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.
The final batch of pilgrims returned safely to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on March 3.
Bishop Adegbite called on Nigerians to continue praying for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East, expressing hope that stability would soon return to the region.
