The Federal Government has announced an immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimage exercises to Israel following the deteriorating security environment in the region.
The decision, disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, follows recent developments including the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel and intensifying hostilities across the Middle East.
According to the commission, all pilgrimage activities — including those organised by private operators — have been put on hold until conditions improve and security risks subside.
“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. This also includes those being conducted by private pilgrimage operators until the situation normalises. The Commission prioritises the safety and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims,” Adegbite stated.
He added that the NCPC is closely monitoring the situation and expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation.
The commission also confirmed the successful conclusion of the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan, with the final batch of pilgrims returning safely to Nigeria on March 3.
Adegbite thanked President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, and government institutions for their support in sustaining pilgrimage programmes over the past two years.
The suspension comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including military exchanges and diplomatic concerns that have prompted global travel advisories. The United States Department of State has urged its citizens to depart multiple countries in the region due to security risks.
NCPC officials urged Christians to continue praying for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East while assuring the public that the situation will be reassessed as conditions evolve.
The development underscores the impact of regional instability on religious and international mobility, with authorities prioritising safety pending normalisation of the security landscape.