NCPC Airlifts First Batch of Intending Pilgrims Using Nigeria’s Highest Seating Capacity Aircraft

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) on 29 December 2025 officially flagged off the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the deployment of the highest seating capacity aircraft currently operated in Nigeria for the airlift of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, described the occasion as groundbreaking, noting that it marked the first time in the history of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria that such a high-capacity aircraft was deployed for pilgrim airlift operations.
He explained that the aircraft, a Boeing 777-300 with a seating capacity of about 525 passengers, is the largest aircraft in operation in the country, enabling the mass movement of pilgrims and ensuring that airlift operations are completed within a shorter period.
Bishop Adegbite stated that the achievement would not have been possible without the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the NCPC Board, and the air carrier. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for pilgrimage activities, stressing that without this commitment, the Commission would not have successfully conducted the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise, the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage exercise, and the ongoing 2025 Main Pilgrimage.
He also commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for their roles in promoting and advancing Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.
In the same vein, Bishop Adegbite praised the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, for his consistent support and sponsorship of Christian pilgrims from the state, describing him as one of the most Christian-pilgrimage-friendly governors in the North-East.
The NCPC boss assured intending pilgrims that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage exercise. He urged them to conduct themselves with decency and excellence, remain good ambassadors of Christ and Nigeria while in the Holy Land, and refrain from absconding, warning that the Commission had instituted measures to discourage such acts.
In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, Mr Ajayi Rotimi, said pilgrimage holds a special place in the lives of Christians. She charged the pilgrims to return to Nigeria spiritually enriched.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the welfare and comfort of all Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliation. She commended the leadership of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for its meticulous planning and well-coordinated pilgrimage programme.
She further urged the pilgrims to see themselves as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, saying, “As you pray at the holy sites, remember Nigeria. Pray for peace, unity and the security of all Nigerians.”
The first batch of intending pilgrims for the 2025 NCPC Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan comprised contingents from Bauchi State and consular officials. Over 500 intending pilgrims were airlifted to the Holy Land in this first batch.
Dignitaries at the event included Senator Amos Johanna, representing Adamawa North in the National Assembly; former Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Maurice Mbaeri; and other notable guests.
Signed:
Celestine Toruka
Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations
Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission