The federal government has ordered the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel following the worsening security situation in the Middle East.
The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Stephen Adegbite, executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the statement was signed by Celestine Toruka, deputy director and head of media and public relations at the commission.
Adegbite said the decision was taken in the interest of the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in view of recent developments in the region.
“The recent developments in the Middle East, including the imposition of a state of emergency in Israel, have necessitated the suspension of all pilgrimage exercises,” the statement said.
Suspension Includes Private Operators, FG Warns
It added that the suspension also applies to pilgrimages organised by private operators and will remain in effect until the security situation improves.
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Adegbite said the NCPC is closely monitoring developments and expressed appreciation to stakeholders and the media for their cooperation.
He urged Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and the wider Middle East, noting that the commission had successfully concluded the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.
According to him, the final batch of Christian pilgrims returned safely to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on March 3.
The NCPC executive secretary also thanked Bola Tinubu,, his wife Oluremi Tinubu and George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation, for their support.
“Without the support of the president, the commission would not have been able to conduct the five pilgrimage exercises carried out since my appointment two years ago,” Adegbite said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
