The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has officially ended the suspension of Christian pilgrimage to Israel, paving the way for Nigerian pilgrims to resume journeys to the Holy Land after several months of restrictions triggered by security concerns in the Middle East.
The announcement was made on Saturday, August 1, 2026, by the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, during a visit to Jerusalem. His declaration followed an on-the-ground assessment of the security situation after the Commission halted pilgrimages in February this year when tensions escalated following the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, Bishop Adegbite made the announcement while speaking at the historic Wailing Wall in Jerusalem after spending several days assessing conditions in Israel.
NCPC Announces Immediate Lifting of Suspension
Addressing those present, Bishop Adegbite said he had fulfilled his promise to personally visit the Holy Land before making any decision on the suspension imposed earlier this year.
“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. “The ban on Christian Pilgrimage from Nigeria to Israel is hereby lifted from today.”
The suspension had remained in place since February 2026 after the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict raised serious security concerns for intending pilgrims travelling from Nigeria to Israel.
With the latest announcement, the Commission has confirmed that Christian pilgrimage to Israel can now resume under revised travel arrangements designed to prioritise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims.
Only Ben Gurion Airport Approved for Entry
Although the restriction has now been lifted, Bishop Adegbite explained that Nigerian pilgrims will only be permitted to enter Israel through the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
He clarified that the Commission arrived at the decision after reviewing the current security situation and concluded that travel through Jordan could not be approved at this time.
According to him, Jordan is presently not considered safe enough for pilgrimage operations, making it impossible for the Commission to expose intending pilgrims to unnecessary risks.
The NCPC therefore directed that all pilgrimage arrangements to Israel will now be conducted through Ben Gurion International Airport until further notice.
Jerusalem Described As Peaceful
While announcing the decision, the Executive Secretary maintained that Jerusalem remains peaceful despite earlier concerns that prompted the suspension of pilgrimage activities.
He also stressed the spiritual importance of the Holy City, describing Jerusalem as a chosen nation and expressing confidence that those who visit the Promised Land will receive divine blessings.
Bishop Adegbite further stated that prayers offered in Jerusalem would receive God’s attention, reaffirming the significance of the city to Christian faithful travelling from Nigeria and other parts of the world.
2026 Pilgrimage Exercise Will Proceed Safely
The NCPC boss also reassured intending pilgrims that the Commission remains committed to ensuring their safety throughout the pilgrimage exercise.
He disclosed that previous groups of Nigerian pilgrims who travelled under the Commission’s supervision had all returned safely, expressing confidence that the 2026 pilgrimage exercise would record the same outcome.
“The Lord has always been our shield and buckler.”
According to him, the Commission remains optimistic that divine protection will continue to accompany Nigerian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
Prayers Offered For Tinubu, First Lady and Nigeria
During the visit, Bishop Adegbite also offered prayers for Nigeria’s leaders and the country as a whole.
He prayed for President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, members of government and Nigerians across the country.
Special prayers were also offered for lasting peace across the North East, North Central, North West, South South, South East and South West of Nigeria.
The Commission expressed hope that peace and stability would continue to prevail both in Israel and Nigeria as preparations resume for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage exercise. The lifting of the suspension marks the end of months of uncertainty for thousands of Nigerian Christians who had been awaiting official clearance to embark on pilgrimage to Israel following the security concerns that emerged earlier this year.