The Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimages to Israel, citing the worsening security situation in the Middle East.
The decision was disclosed on Tuesday by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) in a statement issued in Abuja.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Stephen Adegbite, said the measure became necessary in view of recent developments in the region, stressing that the safety of Nigerian pilgrims remains paramount. He noted that the suspension affects both government-coordinated pilgrimages and those organised by private tour operators.
According to the statement, “Recent developments in the Middle East, including the imposition of a state of emergency in Israel, have necessitated the suspension of all pilgrimage activities.” The commission added that the directive would remain in force until normalcy is restored.
Adegbite said the NCPC is closely monitoring the situation and urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East.
The suspension comes shortly after the commission concluded its 2025 main pilgrimage exercise. The final batch of pilgrims returned to the country safely, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on March 3.
He also expressed appreciation to Bola Tinubu for the administration’s support, noting that five successful pilgrimage exercises have been conducted since his appointment two years ago.
The development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s pilgrimage calendar, with authorities prioritising security considerations amid escalating regional tensions.
