The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimages to Israel due to the worsening security situation in the Middle East.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this in Lagos on Tuesday during a press briefing shortly after about 500 pilgrims returned from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage. The pilgrims arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Adegbite explained that the 2025 pilgrimage began on December 29, 2025, with the inaugural flight departing from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He noted that more than 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims were successfully airlifted to the Holy Land without any reported incident.
According to him, the Commission deployed a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a seating capacity of 525, describing it as the largest aircraft ever used for a Christian pilgrimage airlift in Nigeria. He described the 2025 exercise as smooth and successful, attributing the outcome to effective coordination and strong government support.
Despite the successful completion of the main pilgrimage, Adegbite said recent military developments in Israel and across the Middle East had forced the Commission to suspend further trips.
“You are aware of the latest security developments in Israel and the wider Middle East,” he said.
“In view of the state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities and restrictions on public gatherings, the Commission has decided to put on hold all pilgrimages both by the Commission and private operators until the security situation normalises.”
He stressed that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain the Commission’s top priority, adding that no further travel would be allowed until international travel to Israel is considered safe. He stated that the suspension would remain in place until there is clear assurance of stability in the region.
Adegbite also cautioned Nigerians against engaging in protests or actions that could heighten tensions arising from the crisis.
“The Federal Government places premium on peace and security. We therefore advise Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine national security or diplomatic relations,” he added.
He said the Commission is closely monitoring developments and will issue further directives when the situation improves.
The NCPC Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimage exercises. He also acknowledged the contributions of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, towards the successful completion of the 2025 pilgrimage.
Adegbite urged Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to prevent a humanitarian crisis. He reiterated that while pilgrimage remains an important spiritual obligation for many Nigerians, national interest and the safety of citizens abroad will always take precedence.
