Niger Ends 10-Year Ban On Christian Pilgrimage: Bago Orders 2026 Airlift To Jerusalem After Suspension Since 2016
The Niger State Government has commenced preparations for the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage to airlift Christian pilgrims to the Holy land.
This move comes more than ten years after the state government stopped general state sponsorship of Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem on May 17, 2016, under the then-Governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello, now Senator, citing economic challenges and insecurity in the Middle East Region.
The government of Governor Mohammed Bago has revived the practice directing the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board to intensify preparations for the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage exercise.
A strategic meeting was held between Board Members and Staff of the Christian Department to strengthen coordination and improve pilgrims’ welfare ahead of the exercise.
The meeting, which held at the Board’s Headquarters in Minna, was convened at the instance of the Executive Secretary, Muhammad Aliyu, who was represented by the Director Administration, Alhaji Ado Bello.
In his welcome address, Bello said the engagement was aimed at fostering collaboration between Board Members and operational Staff for a well-coordinated pilgrimage in line with the New Niger Agenda of the present administration.
He reiterated the Executive Secretary’s commitment to inclusive administration, noting that the Christian and Muslim Departments are one family with a shared responsibility to serve pilgrims’ effectively.
In his presentation, the Christian Department Director of Administration, Mr. Paul Lawrence, outlined the Department’s comprehensive roadmap for the 2026 pilgrimage.
He said the roadmap would include early mobilisation of intending pilgrims’ across the 25 local government areas, transparent screening, comprehensive orientation and spiritual rebirth programmes, improved accommodation, feeding and welfare arrangements in the Holy Land, and strengthening partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria and other church leaders.
Mr. Lawrence further disclosed that the Department would work in close synergy with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims’ Commission, Abuja, to ensure compliance with national guidelines and seamless airlift operations.
The Head of the Christian Board Members, Mrs. Deborah Salawu, commended the Executive Secretary and Management for the timely engagement, describing it as a demonstration of inclusiveness and good leadership.
