The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, has engaged members of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria, CTPAN, on measures to sustain Christian pilgrimage activities in the face of prevailing global security and operational challenges
The engagement was part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with Christian Pilgrimage Tour Operators and to ensure that the safety, welfare and spiritual well-being of Nigerian pilgrims remain paramount in the conduct of pilgrimage operations.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, said the Commission remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians undertaking Christian pilgrimage were transported and accommodated through safe and properly monitored arrangements.
He explained that the Commission had continued to closely monitor developments in Israel, Jordan and the wider Middle East, particularly the security situation arising from the ongoing conflict in the region.
According to him, the Commission would not compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims by undertaking pilgrimage operations to areas considered unsafe.
Bishop Adegbite recalled that the Commission had previously demonstrated its commitment to the safety of pilgrims by taking proactive measures to relocate pilgrims when security circumstances required such action.
During previous disruptions, the Commission worked with relevant stakeholders to move pilgrims from affected areas to safer locations and facilitated their return to Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the Commission’s decision-making would continue to be guided by security assessments and developments on the ground.
“We are slowing down, but we are monitoring developments,” he said, adding that the safety of Nigerian pilgrims remained the Commission’s foremost consideration.
He noted that the Commission was not abandoning pilgrimage activities, but would take advantage of safe windows of opportunity whenever conditions permitted.
Bishop Adegbite also reminded Christian Pilgrimage Tour Operators of the importance of strict compliance with the Commission’s guidelines and due process, particularly in the presentation and verification of pilgrims.
He warned against submitting names of persons who were not genuine pilgrims or misrepresenting individuals to secure pilgrimage opportunities.
He said the Commission would continue to strengthen its verification mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability and proper documentation in the pilgrimage process.
The NCPC Boss expressed appreciation to the Christian pilgrimage operators for their continued partnership, noting that the success of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria required the collective commitment of the Commission, pilgrims, tour operators, state pilgrimage leaders and other relevant stakeholders.
He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu in sustaining the activities of the Commission despite global challenges.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of CTPAN, Dr. Israel Kristilere, expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary for his leadership and efforts to ensure that pilgrimage activities continued despite the challenges encountered this year.
He commended the Commission for its commitment to ensuring that the year did not pass without pilgrimage activities, noting that the suspension and disruption of activities following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East had created significant difficulties for their members and intending pilgrims.
Dr. Kristilere acknowledged the courage and determination of the NCPC leadership and assured the Commission of his members’ readiness to continue working closely with it to ensure the success of Christian pilgrimage operations.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Commission and CTPAN to review prevailing challenges, discuss operational issues and reinforce the need for greater coordination in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.
The NCPC reiterated that while pilgrimage activities remain an important part of its mandate, the safety and security of Nigerian pilgrims would continue to take precedence over every other consideration.
The Commission therefore urged all Christian Pilgrimage Tour Operators and prospective pilgrims to remain patient, vigilant and guided by official information from the Commission as arrangements for future pilgrimage exercises evolve.
