By Chinedu Echianu
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has extended the contracts of its accredited pilgrimage service providers for the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage Exercise to Israel and Jordan, reaffirming that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain its top priority.
The agreement, signed on Monday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, covers the accredited air carrier and seven ground handling companies. The extension followed due process and received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), paving the way for seamless operations during the 2026 pilgrimage season.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said the Commission would not resume pilgrim movements until it was fully satisfied with the security situation in Israel and neighbouring countries.
Adegbite disclosed that he would personally visit the Holy Land to assess the security situation before approving the commencement of pilgrimages, stressing that the Commission would never compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims.
He noted that while facilitating Christian pilgrimage remains the Commission’s mandate, protecting lives remains paramount, declaring that “every life matters.”
The Executive Secretary also commended the Federal Government and the Commission’s accredited air carrier for successfully evacuating 523 Nigerians stranded during the February 8 Middle East conflict. He praised the service providers for their professionalism and urged them to sustain high standards of service delivery.
Representing the NCPC Chairman, Prof. Cletus Gotan, Board Member representing the North Central, Rev. Simon Dolly, lauded the Commission’s management for promoting transparency, accountability and inclusiveness. He described the partnership between the Commission and its service providers as a testament to effective leadership and collaboration.
Dolly urged all stakeholders to continue working in unity to ensure safe, seamless and spiritually rewarding pilgrimages, while also calling on Nigerians to pray for lasting peace in Nigeria and the Holy Land.
Representatives of the accredited service providers commended the Commission for maintaining a transparent and cordial relationship and pledged their continued commitment to providing safe, efficient and quality services to Nigerian pilgrims.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the contract extension agreement, reinforcing the shared commitment of the NCPC and its partners to delivering a safe and successful 2026 Christian pilgrimage exercise.
