- 500 pilgrims returned to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 main pilgrimage
- He said escalating military tensions in Israel and surrounding areas have forced the Commission to suspend all future pilgrimages
- The NCPC boss said the Commission is closely observing developments and will provide updates when circumstances improve
The Federal Government has halted all Christian pilgrimages to Israel due to the worsening security climate in the Middle East.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the announcement was made on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Stephen Adegbite, during a briefing in Lagos shortly after nearly 500 pilgrims returned to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 main pilgrimage.
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Adegbite explained that the 2025 exercise began on December 29, 2025, with the first flight departing from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
More than 4,000 Nigerian pilgrims were transported to the Holy Land during the programme without any reported incidents.
He noted that a Boeing 777-300 aircraft, capable of carrying 525 passengers, was used for the operation, describing it as the largest plane ever deployed for a Christian pilgrimage airlift in the country. According to him, the success of the exercise was the result of careful planning and strong government backing.
However, he said escalating military tensions in Israel and surrounding areas have forced the Commission to suspend all future pilgrimages, including those organised by private operators.
He cited the state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities and restrictions on public gatherings as key factors behind the decision.
Adegbite stressed that the safety of Nigerian pilgrims remains the Commission’s foremost concern and stated that travel would only resume once conditions in the region are deemed safe. The suspension, he added, will remain in place until there is clear evidence of stability.
He also urged Nigerians to avoid actions or protests that could inflame tensions or affect national security and diplomatic ties.
The NCPC boss said the Commission is closely observing developments and will provide updates when circumstances improve.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting pilgrimage activities, as well as to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume for their roles in the successful completion of the 2025 pilgrimage.
Adegbite concluded by encouraging Christians and advocates of peace to pray for calm in Jerusalem and across the Middle East, noting that while pilgrimage is spiritually significant, the safety of citizens remains paramount.
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