NCPC Renews Pilgrimage Contracts, Puts Safety First

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has signed a contract extension agreement with its accredited pilgrimage service providers for the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage Exercise to Israel and Jordan.

The agreement, signed at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on July 27, 2026, is aimed at ensuring seamless pilgrimage operations and efficient service delivery throughout the 2026 pilgrimage season.
The Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, signed the agreement with the Commission’s accredited air carrier and seven ground handling companies following the successful extension of their contracts in line with due process and the approval of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). Speaking during the ceremony, Bishop Adegbite thanked God for His faithfulness and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman and members of the NCPC Board, Management and staff of the Commission for their continued support in repositioning the Commission for greater efficiency.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its guiding principle of “Service and Satisfaction,” stressing that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain its top priority. Addressing concerns over the security situation in the Middle East, Bishop Adegbite said the Commission has continued to monitor developments in Israel and neighbouring countries before resuming pilgrimage operations. He disclosed that he would personally undertake an assessment visit to the Holy Land to evaluate the security situation before approving the resumption of pilgrim movements, emphasizing that the Commission would never compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary also commended the Federal Government and the Commission’s accredited air carrier for the successful evacuation of 523 Nigerians stranded during the February 8 Middle East conflict. He praised the air carrier, accredited service providers, the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Commission’s Legal Department, Procurement Unit and staff for their professionalism and contributions to the successful completion of the contract extension process, while urging service providers to sustain and improve the quality of services rendered to pilgrims.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Msgr. Cletus Gotan, represented by the Board Member representing the North Central, Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, commended the Executive Secretary, Management and staff for promoting transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in the administration of Christian pilgrimage. He described the cordial relationship between the Commission and its service providers as a reflection of purposeful leadership and effective collaboration, while urging them to continue working in unity despite the security challenges in the Middle East.
Rev. Dr. Dolly encouraged all stakeholders to strive for excellence, noting that although the Commission has recorded significant achievements, there is still room for improvement. He also called for continued prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and for lasting peace in Nigeria and the Holy Land to ensure safe and successful pilgrimage exercises. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting policies that will strengthen the Commission’s mandate and improve the spiritual experience and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
Speaking on behalf of the service providers, their representatives commended the Executive Secretary and the Management of NCPC for maintaining a transparent, inclusive and cordial working relationship. They pledged their continued commitment to providing efficient, safe and quality services to Nigerian pilgrims. The event concluded with the formal signing of the contract extension agreement and a renewed commitment by both the Commission and its service providers to continue working together in promoting safe, seamless and spiritually rewarding Christian pilgrimages.