NCPC: Pilgrims’ Safety Takes Priority As Middle East Conflict Disrupts Operations

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has said the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims will take precedence over the conduct of pilgrimage operations as security concerns persist across Israel, Jordan and the wider Middle East.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, stated this during an engagement with members of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN) in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed the impact of the regional security situation on Christian pilgrimage.

Adegbite said the NCPC was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and would not send Nigerian pilgrims to locations where their safety could not be guaranteed.

“We are slowing down, but we are monitoring developments,” he said, explaining that the Commission was adopting a cautious approach while keeping the pilgrimage programme open to opportunities that might arise when security conditions improve.

The Executive Secretary recalled that the NCPC had previously evacuated or relocated Nigerian pilgrims when security situations deteriorated, working with relevant stakeholders to move them to safer locations and facilitate their return to Nigeria.

He said the Commission’s decisions would continue to be guided by intelligence, security assessments and developments on the ground, insisting that pilgrimage would never be allowed to override the safety of participants.

Adegbite also cautioned Christian pilgrimage tour operators against breaching established guidelines, particularly by presenting false identities or submitting the names of people who were not genuine pilgrims.

According to him, the NCPC would strengthen its verification mechanisms to ensure that only properly documented and qualified pilgrims participate in the programme.

He appealed to tour operators, state pilgrimage leaders and other stakeholders to maintain close cooperation with the Commission, saying the success of Christian pilgrimage required collective responsibility.

The NCPC boss also appreciated the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Commission and its mandate amid the challenges posed by the ongoing regional crisis.

Earlier, the Chairman of CTPAN, Dr. Israel Kristilere, commended the NCPC leadership for its efforts to sustain pilgrimage activities despite the disruption caused by the conflict.

Kristilere said the suspension of pilgrimage operations had affected tour operators and intending pilgrims, but praised the Commission for exploring avenues to ensure the programme was not completely halted.

He pledged CTPAN’s continued partnership with the NCPC, saying operators remained committed to supporting efforts to conduct pilgrimage safely and efficiently.

The Commission urged intending pilgrims and tour operators to remain patient and rely strictly on official NCPC information as arrangements for future pilgrimage exercises are reviewed in line with security developments.