The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring discipline and transparency during the 2025 pilgrimage to Israel, assuring that no Nigerian pilgrim will abscond.
The pledge was made by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of NCPC, following a bilateral meeting with officials of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.
The delegation included members of the House of Representatives and ground handlers.
In a statement signed by Mr. Celestine Toruka, NCPC’s Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Adegbite emphasized the Commission’s “zero abscondment” policy and expressed gratitude to Israeli authorities for their continued support in safeguarding Nigerian pilgrims.
He also noted the historic participation of about 100 members of the House of Representatives in the Executive Pilgrimage, expressing optimism that such involvement would become a recurring tradition to deepen intergovernmental and religious ties.
In her remarks, Tania Berg-Rafaeli, Director of the West and Central Africa Division at Israel’s Foreign Ministry, commended Adegbite for his visionary leadership and praised Nigerian pilgrims for their exemplary conduct.
She pledged closer collaboration with the NCPC and the Nigerian Embassy in Israel to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Berg-Rafaeli also hinted at the possibility of a Bilateral Air Service Agreement between both nations, a move expected to further boost connectivity and diplomatic relations.
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