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 Prof. Stephen Adegbite, during a visit to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka.
The pilgrimage exercise had been suspended in February 2026 following security concerns arising from the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Speaking during his visit, Bishop Adegbite said he had spent the last three days assessing the security situation in Israel and was satisfied that conditions in the Holy Land had improved.
He stated that Jerusalem is peaceful and announced that the Commission was lifting the suspension on Christian pilgrimage to Israel with immediate effect.
The NCPC boss, however, clarified that Nigerian pilgrims would only be allowed to travel through the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, noting that Jordan remains unsafe for pilgrimage routes at this time.
He said the Commission would not expose pilgrims to unnecessary risks by permitting travel through areas considered insecure.
Bishop Adegbite also described Jerusalem as a blessed land, expressing confidence that those who visit the Holy City and offer prayers there would receive divine blessings.
He further assured intending pilgrims that previous groups had completed their journeys safely and returned home without incident, expressing optimism that the 2026 pilgrimage exercise would also be successful under God’s protection.
The Executive Secretary concluded by offering prayers for peace across Nigeria, praying for President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, government officials and lasting peace in all six geopolitical zones of the country.
