The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has officially suspended all pilgrimages to Israel until further notice, citing the ongoing military tensions between Israel and Iran. The announcement comes amid growing global concern over potential regional escalation following the events of June 13, 2025.
Speaking through a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, emphasized that the safety of Nigerian pilgrims remains the commission’s top priority. The statement, conveyed by the Deputy Director of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka, confirmed that no Nigerian Christian pilgrims are currently in Israel.
Addressing public speculation and unverified reports, Bishop Adegbite clarified that the last official pilgrimage organized by the commission concluded in March 2025 and included visits to both Israel and Jordan. He stated firmly that no pilgrimages will resume until the conflict between Israel and Iran is resolved and the security landscape in the region stabilizes.
Read also:
- Iran State Broadcaster resumes transmission hours after Israeli Airstrike
- Iran’s military chief killed in airstrike on Tehran-Israel
- We’ve full aerial control over Tehran, says Israeli military
With Israel remaining a key destination for Nigerian Christians seeking spiritual renewal, the decision has sparked disappointment among many would-be pilgrims. However, the commission’s leadership insists that ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad outweighs all other considerations.
The NCPC continues to monitor the situation in collaboration with international partners and relevant diplomatic channels. While no timeline has been given for a resumption, the commission assures Christians across the country that future arrangements will be communicated as soon as the region is deemed safe.
As global tensions between Israel and Iran persist, religious travel operators and Christian communities in Nigeria are now being urged to remain patient and prioritize security over tradition.