The Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended all Christian pilgrimages to Israel and other parts of the Middle East amid escalating military tensions in the region, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The move comes amid growing concerns over travel safety as conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies.
The decision was announced by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), who described it as a precautionary safety measure to protect Nigerian citizens following recent geopolitical developments.
The suspension applies to both official and private pilgrimage operators and will remain in force “until security in Israel and all the Middle East returns to normalcy,” Adegbite said.
The NCPC also confirmed that over 500 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 pilgrimage have successfully returned home, and that no Nigerian pilgrims are currently in Israel as hostilities continue.
“Our foremost priority is the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian citizens abroad,” Adegbite said. “In light of the current security situation in the Middle East, we cannot in good conscience continue to authorize or approve pilgrimages until stability is restored.”
The suspension comes against the backdrop of intensified conflict in the Middle East, where recent drone and missile strikes and counter‑strikes have heightened security risks for travelers and regional residents alike.
The NCPC’s announcement marks one of the latest examples of countries adjusting international travel and religious activities in response to worsening regional hostilities, underscoring the broad impact of geopolitical tensions on global mobility and faith‑based travel.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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