NCPC Puts Pilgrims’ Safety First Amid Middle East Security Crisis

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission has assured intending and prospective Nigerian pilgrims that their safety and welfare will remain its top priority amid the prevailing security challenges in Israel, Jordan and other parts of the Middle East.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, gave the assurance during an engagement with members of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria, where both sides reviewed the challenges confronting Christian pilgrimage operations and explored ways to sustain the programme safely.

Adegbite said the Commission was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and would not undertake pilgrimage operations in areas considered unsafe.

“We are slowing down, but we are monitoring developments,” he said, stressing that the NCPC had not abandoned pilgrimage activities but would take advantage of safe windows whenever security conditions permitted.

He recalled that the Commission had previously taken proactive measures to protect Nigerian pilgrims during security disruptions, including relocating pilgrims from affected areas to safer locations and facilitating their return to Nigeria.

The NCPC boss said future decisions on pilgrimage operations would continue to be based on security assessments and developments on the ground, noting that the Commission would not compromise the lives and safety of Nigerian pilgrims for any reason.

Adegbite also charged Christian Pilgrimage Tour Operators to comply strictly with NCPC guidelines and due process, particularly in the presentation and verification of pilgrims.

He warned operators against submitting names of non pilgrims or misrepresenting individuals in an attempt to secure pilgrimage slots, saying the Commission would strengthen its verification mechanisms to promote transparency, accountability and proper documentation.

The Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to pilgrimage tour operators, state pilgrimage leaders and other stakeholders for their cooperation, while acknowledging the support of the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards sustaining the Commission’s mandate despite prevailing global challenges.

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 outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

Kristilere said the suspension of pilgrimage operations had created significant challenges for tour operators and intending pilgrims but praised the Commission for ensuring that opportunities for pilgrimage were not completely lost.

He assured the Commission of the association’s continued cooperation and commitment to working with the NCPC to ensure safe and successful pilgrimage operations.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both organisations to review operational challenges, strengthen coordination and reinforce measures aimed at protecting Nigerian pilgrims.

The NCPC urged Christian pilgrimage operators and prospective pilgrims to remain patient and vigilant, stressing that official information from the Commission should guide all arrangements for future pilgrimage exercises.