Pilgrimage resumes through Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport as Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission assures safety in Jerusalem while maintaining travel restrictions through Jordan.
By Amarachi Odenigbo
JERUSALEM, Israel — August 1, 2026
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has officially lifted its suspension on Christian pilgrimages to Israel, ending months of uncertainty for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims following security concerns arising from regional tensions in the Middle East.
The announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, during a visit to Jerusalem, where he declared that the Holy Land had returned to a state of peace suitable for the resumption of pilgrimage activities.
While reopening pilgrimage to Israel, the Commission maintained restrictions on travel through Jordan, citing ongoing security concerns in that corridor. The decision marks a significant policy shift for Nigeria’s Christian pilgrimage programme and could pave the way for the commencement of the 2026 pilgrimage exercise.
NCPC Declares Israel Safe for Pilgrimage
Speaking at the historic Wailing Wall in Jerusalem on Friday, Bishop Adegbite said he personally visited Israel to assess the prevailing security situation before reaching the decision.
According to the NCPC Executive Secretary, his observations over the previous three days convinced him that Jerusalem remained peaceful and safe for pilgrims.
“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 subsequently announced:
“The ban on Christian pilgrimage from Nigeria to Israel is hereby lifted from today.”
The declaration was contained in a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka.
Background to the Suspension
The Commission suspended pilgrimages to Israel in February 2026 following heightened regional tensions linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard Nigerian pilgrims amid fears that the security situation in parts of the Middle East could deteriorate.
The suspension affected numerous intending pilgrims and pilgrimage operators awaiting clearance for travel to Israel’s biblical sites.
With the latest announcement, the Commission believes conditions have improved sufficiently to allow the resumption of organised pilgrimages.
Travel Restricted to Ben Gurion Airport
Despite lifting the suspension, the NCPC announced that Nigerian pilgrims would only be permitted to travel through Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
Bishop Adegbite explained that Jordan would remain excluded from approved pilgrimage routes due to ongoing security concerns.
According to him, the Commission would not expose Nigerian pilgrims to avoidable risks by permitting travel through areas it considers unsafe.
The directive means all pilgrimage logistics will now be structured around direct access into Israel through approved entry points.
Safety Assurance for Nigerian Pilgrims
The Commission reassured intending pilgrims that their safety remains its highest priority.
Bishop Adegbite stated that previous pilgrimage exercises had been completed successfully, with Nigerian pilgrims returning home safely.
He expressed confidence that the forthcoming pilgrimage would maintain that record.
According to him:
“The Lord has always been our shield and buckler.”
The Commission said security assessments would continue throughout the pilgrimage season in collaboration with relevant authorities.
Spiritual Significance of Jerusalem
During the announcement, Bishop Adegbite also reflected on the spiritual importance of Jerusalem for Christians worldwide.
He described the city as a sacred destination, expressing confidence that pilgrims who visit the Holy Land would receive spiritual blessings.
He encouraged intending pilgrims to remain steadfast in faith while preparing for the pilgrimage exercise.
Prayers for Nigeria
Beyond the announcement, the NCPC Executive Secretary offered prayers for peace and national unity in Nigeria.
He prayed for:
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
- Members of the Federal Government.
- Peace across the North-East.
- Peace in the North-West.
- Peace in the North-Central.
- Peace in the South-East.
- Peace in the South-South.
- Peace in the South-West.
The prayers reflected the Commission’s emphasis on promoting both spiritual renewal and national cohesion through pilgrimage activities.
Implications for the 2026 Pilgrimage Exercise
The lifting of the travel suspension is expected to provide relief to thousands of Nigerian Christians who have been awaiting official approval to visit biblical sites in Israel.
Pilgrimage operators are also expected to resume logistical planning, including flight scheduling, accommodation arrangements and visa processing.
However, industry observers note that security developments across the Middle East will continue to influence pilgrimage operations, requiring ongoing monitoring by both Nigerian and Israeli authorities.
The NCPC is expected to issue further operational guidelines regarding travel schedules, registration procedures and approved routes for intending pilgrims.
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s decision to lift the suspension on pilgrimages to Israel signals renewed confidence in the security situation within the Holy Land following months of regional uncertainty.
By restricting travel to Ben Gurion International Airport while excluding Jordan from approved routes, the Commission says it is balancing the spiritual aspirations of Nigerian Christians with its responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of pilgrims.
As preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage gather momentum, attention will remain focused on developments in the Middle East and the Commission’s ability to deliver a secure, orderly and successful pilgrimage exercise.
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