The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a 50 percent subsidy for Christian pilgrims planning to travel to Israel and Jordan in 2025. This development follows the official confirmation by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) that pilgrimage activities will resume in September after earlier suspension due to rising Middle East tensions.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, revealed that pilgrims will now pay only half of the total package cost. With the new subsidy, each participant will contribute ₦4.5 million instead of the full amount. He stressed that government support is aimed at making the pilgrimage more affordable for Christians across the country.

The NCPC had previously suspended all pilgrimages following the Israel-Iran conflict. However, Adegbite confirmed that the situation in Israel has since stabilized. He personally visited Israel with some members of the House of Representatives and assured the public that conditions are safe for religious activities to continue.

Adegbite also highlighted contingency plans to ensure pilgrims' safety in case of unexpected events. He recalled how, during the October 7 conflict, 234 Nigerian pilgrims were redirected through Amman, Jordan, instead of Tel Aviv but all returned home safely.

According to the NCPC, the 2025 pilgrimage calendar will officially begin with an executive delegation of 100 lawmakers traveling in September. The main Easter pilgrimage, earlier suspended, will now take place from September 14, with the inaugural flight set to depart from Imo State.

Pilgrimage programs are held twice yearly — Easter and the main pilgrimage. The 10-day exercise will include prayers, historical tours, and worship sessions at sacred Christian sites in Israel and Jordan.

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