Niger State Resumes Government Sponsorship of Christian Pilgrimage to Jerusalem for 2026

The Niger State Government, under Governor Mohammed Bago, has resumed state sponsorship of the 2026 Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land, ending a hiatus of more than a decade. The state government had stopped general state sponsorship of Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem on May 17, 2016, under then-Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello, now a senator. At that time, the state cited economic challenges and insecurity in the Middle East region.

The Bago administration has directed the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board to intensify preparations for the 2026 exercise, which will airlift Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. A strategic meeting between Board Members and staff of the Christian Department was held at the Board’s headquarters in Minna to strengthen coordination and improve pilgrims’ welfare. The meeting was convened at the instance of the Executive Secretary, Muhammad Aliyu, who was represented by the Director of Administration, Alhaji Ado Bello.

In his welcome address, Bello said the engagement aimed to foster collaboration between Board Members and operational staff, 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. He stressed early planning, unity and accountability as critical to the success of the 2026 exercise (Psalm 133:1).

Mr. Paul Lawrence, Director of Administration of the Christian Department, outlined the department’s roadmap for the pilgrimage. According to him, the plan includes early mobilisation of intending pilgrims across the state’s 25 local government areas, a transparent and thorough screening exercise with relevant agencies, and orientation and spiritual rebirth programmes. It also includes improved accommodation, feeding and general welfare arrangements in the Holy Land, and a strengthened partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria and other church leaders.

Lawrence further said the department would work closely with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims’ Commission, Abuja, which he described as the apex regulatory body for Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria, to ensure compliance with national guidelines, timely processing of documents and smooth airlift operations. He said collaboration would also be strengthened with relevant security agencies, medical screening teams and other stakeholders to ensure proper vetting, health certification and discipline of intending pilgrims. He added that measures to prevent abscondment and promote discipline throughout the exercise had been put in place, and he appealed to management to sustain operational and financial support.

Mrs. Deborah Salawu, Head of the Christian Board Members, responded on their behalf. She commended the Executive Secretary and management for the timely engagement, describing it as a demonstration of inclusiveness and good leadership. She pledged the Board Members’ moral, spiritual and advisory support, as well as their loyalty to the policies and programmes of the Board and the Niger State Government.

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