NCPC Lifts Ban On Christian Pilgrimage To Israel, Declares Holy Land Safe.

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has announced the lifting of its suspension on Christian pilgrimage to Israel, declaring that Nigerian pilgrims can 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 August 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka.

The Commission suspended pilgrimages to Israel in February following heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States.

Speaking during the visit, Adegbite said he had spent three days assessing the security situation in Israel and was satisfied that conditions were conducive for the resumption of pilgrimages.

“I promised everyone that I would come to see the situation in the Holy Land for myself. I have been here for the past three days. The Holy Land is peaceful. Jerusalem is at peace and will continue to be at peace. The suspension on Christian pilgrimage from Nigeria to Israel is hereby lifted from today,” he said.

The NCPC boss explained that Nigerian pilgrims would only travel through Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, noting that Jordan was still considered unsafe for pilgrimage transit.

He assured intending pilgrims that the Commission would continue to prioritise their safety, adding that previous pilgrimage exercises had been completed without incident and expressing confidence that the 2026 pilgrimage would be equally successful.

Adegbite also led prayers for peace in Nigeria, praying for President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, government officials and peace across the country’s six geopolitical zones.