The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has officially removed the restriction on religious travel to Israel. Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the commission’s Executive Secretary, confirmed this development on Saturday in Abuja after personally visiting Jerusalem.
The suspension was initially enacted in February due to rising tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. During a three-day evaluation of the region, Bishop Adegbite concluded that the atmosphere in Jerusalem is currently stable and secure.
While the ban is now lifted, the commission has implemented specific travel guidelines. Pilgrims must exclusively use the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv for their journeys. Bishop Adegbite noted that routes through Jordan remain closed to travelers as the region is still considered too volatile to ensure participant safety.
The commission remains optimistic about the upcoming 2026 pilgrimage cycle, citing a consistent track record of protecting citizens during past religious excursions. This decision allows for the immediate restart of both private and state-sponsored pilgrimages to Israel.
