By Esther Ososanya
The Federal Capital Territory Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-CPWB) has commenced the final round of screening for 250 intending Christian pilgrims bound for Israel and Jordan.
At the screening exercise held Tuesday in Abuja, Director of the FCT-CPWB, Mrs Gloria Dandam, said the process was a key requirement before participants can proceed with payments or visa processing for the August–September 2025 pilgrimage window.
The board, in collaboration with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), is ensuring that all intending pilgrims meet eligibility requirements. “Only those who pass through the entire screening process will be asked to pay,” Dandam stated.
Behind the scenes, however, each pilgrimage season fuels a modest economic boom from travel agencies and forex vendors to medical screening providers and local hospitality operators. With an average travel cost of ₦2.5–₦3.5 million per pilgrim, the 250-member cohort could drive spending worth over ₦625 million in this single cycle alone.
Travel Tied to Safety and Spending
The board assured that a recent pre-visit to Israel confirmed peace in targeted areas, and the itinerary will include only approved safe zones. However, such assurances also mean added insurance and logistics planning costs often borne by private pilgrims or subsidised through government support.
“We might be the second batch to depart. Today’s mop-up is to finalise our list for NCPC to begin visa issuance,” Dandam said.
She revealed that 140 pilgrims had already been screened in the first batch, most of them privately sponsored, while 110 more were undergoing final assessment. Once cleared, those selected will receive payment instructions and further guidance on travel timelines.
A Growing Pilgrimage Industry
Beyond spiritual commitment, Nigeria’s Christian pilgrimage industry continues to reflect patterns of elite religious tourism, where international travel becomes a blend of devotion, diplomacy, and expenditure. With multiple agencies involved and costs rising, stakeholders are increasingly calling for greater transparency in how funds are mobilised and who benefits from the process.
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“Once a candidate is cleared and recommended, we notify them to pay. Then we consolidate the list for submission to NCPC,” Dandam said, signalling the conclusion of the preparation phase.
While the FCT-CPWB focuses on ensuring a smooth and safe journey for participants, economic observers note that the cumulative effect of such international trips, especially when state-linked, adds to the country’s foreign exchange outflow. In a struggling economy, each pilgrim’s dollar conversion contributes to the wider conversation around how public and private travel affects Nigeria’s forex stability.
As the August departure date nears, the 2025 pilgrimage season may ultimately be remembered not only for its spiritual significance but also for the millions it moves across borders both in bodies and in budget.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
