NCPC Resumes Christian Pilgrimage To Israel, Lifts Travel Suspension

Sunday August 2, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has officially lifted the suspension on Christian pilgrimage to Israel, paving the way for Nigerian pilgrims to resume visits to the Holy Land.

The announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of the commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, during a visit to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem on August 1, 2026.

Christian pilgrimages to Israel were suspended by the commission in February following tensions triggered by the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the NCPC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Torukan, Adegbite declared that security conditions in Israel had improved sufficiently for the resumption of pilgrimages.

“I promised everyone that I would be here to see what is happening in the Holy Land. I have been here in the last three days.

“The Holy Land is peaceful. Jerusalem is at peace and will continue to be at peace,” Adegbite said.

“The ban on Christian Pilgrimage from Nigeria to Israel is hereby lifted from today.”

The commission explained that the decision allows Nigerian pilgrims to enter Israel through the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. However, it noted that pilgrimage visits would be limited to Israel, as travel to Jordan remains suspended due to security concerns.

Adegbite further expressed confidence in the safety of pilgrims, describing Jerusalem as a divinely chosen land and affirming that those who visit the city would receive blessings through their spiritual journey.

He also assured intending pilgrims that previous groups who travelled to the Holy Land returned safely, expressing optimism that the 2026 pilgrimage exercise would be conducted successfully under similar secure conditions.