The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has lifted its suspension on Christian pilgrimage to Israel, declaring that the Holy Land is now peaceful enough for Nigerian pilgrims to resume visits.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, during a visit to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
The commission had suspended pilgrimages to Israel in February following the outbreak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Speaking after spending three days in Israel, Adegbite said his on-the-ground assessment showed that Jerusalem was peaceful.
“I promised everyone that I will 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,” he said.
Following the assessment, the NCPC boss formally announced the resumption of pilgrimages.
“The ban on Christian Pilgrimage from Nigeria to Israel is hereby lifted from today,” Adegbite declared.
He, however, clarified that the commission would only permit Nigerian pilgrims to enter Israel through the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
According to him, the decision was taken as a precaution because Jordan remains unsafe for pilgrimage operations.
He said the commission would not expose pilgrims to unnecessary risks by allowing travel through routes it considers insecure.
Adegbite also expressed confidence in the safety of the pilgrimage exercise, noting that previous batches of Nigerian pilgrims had completed their journeys without incident.
“All pilgrims who have travelled have returned safely,” he said, adding that the 2026 pilgrimage “will not be an exception, as the Lord has always been our shield and buckler.”
The NCPC chief described Jerusalem as a blessed city, saying those who visit the Holy Land would receive divine blessings.
He added that prayers offered in Jerusalem would be answered.
Adegbite also offered prayers for peace in Nigeria, seeking divine intervention for President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady and all those serving in government.
He further prayed for lasting peace across the country’s six geopolitical zones, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-East, South-South and South-West.
The lifting of the ban clears the way for Nigerian Christians to resume pilgrimages to Israel after months of suspension triggered by security concerns in the region.