FG Suspends Christian Pilgrimage Over Middle East Crisis
The Federal Government has suspended all Christian pilgrimages to Israel and other parts of the Middle East following the escalating security crisis in the region.
The decision was announced by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), which said the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place until the situation stabilises.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said the move became necessary due to heightened tensions and security concerns arising from the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.
He stressed that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain the government’s top priority. According to the Commission, the suspension affects all government-organised pilgrimages as well as those arranged by private tour operators.
Prospective pilgrims have been advised to suspend further travel plans to Israel and neighbouring countries until normalcy returns. The development comes amid intensifying conflict involving Israel and Iran, with rising regional instability prompting several countries to review travel advisories and air travel arrangements.
The NCPC disclosed that the final batch of Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Holy Land pilgrimage exercise had safely returned to the country before the suspension was announced.
The Commission noted that the exercise was successfully concluded without casualties or security breaches. Government officials said the decision aligns with broader efforts to protect Nigerian citizens abroad as the crisis unfolds. Authorities also assured that the situation is being closely monitored in collaboration with relevant international and diplomatic bodies. While urging calm, the Commission called on Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and the wider Middle East region.
It added that pilgrimages would resume once credible security assessments confirm that it is safe to do so.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens and ensuring that religious obligations are carried out under secure and stable conditions.
