Niger revives Christian pilgrimage after 10-year suspension

The Niger State Government has commenced preparations for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land, more than a decade after the state suspended general government sponsorship of Christian pilgrimages.

The development follows a directive by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board to intensify preparations for the exercise.

The state suspended general sponsorship of pilgrimages to Jerusalem on May 17, 2016, under the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, citing economic challenges and insecurity in the Middle East.

Preparations for the planned resumption were disclosed following a strategic meeting involving members of the Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and staff of its Christian Department at the board’s headquarters in Minna.

The meeting was convened by the board’s Executive Secretary, Muhammad Aliyu, who was represented by the Director of Administration, Ado Bello.

Bello said the engagement was intended to strengthen cooperation between the board and its operational staff to ensure effective coordination of the pilgrimage in line with the state government’s New Niger Agenda.

He emphasised the importance of early planning, accountability and collaboration between the Christian and Muslim departments in providing services to intending pilgrims.

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The Director of Administration of the Christian Department, Paul Lawrence, outlined a roadmap covering the mobilisation of intending pilgrims across the state’s 25 local government areas.

He said the process would include screening in collaboration with relevant agencies, orientation programmes, medical checks and improved arrangements for accommodation, feeding and general welfare in the Holy Land.

According to him, the department would also work with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission and Christian leaders to ensure compliance with national guidelines and the timely processing of travel documents.

The proposed arrangements include collaboration with security agencies and medical teams to ensure appropriate screening and the safety of intending pilgrims.

The department also identified the need for measures to promote discipline and prevent pilgrims from absconding during the exercise.

The Head of the Christian Board Members, Mrs Deborah Salawu, commended the board’s management for the preparations and pledged the members’ support.

The planned resumption represents a significant development for Christian pilgrims in Niger State after years without general state sponsorship. However, the report reviewed did not specify the number of pilgrims expected to participate, the final travel dates or the budget for the exercise.