By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, on behalf of the Nigerian Government on Tuesday in Jerusalem, sparked talks on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel.
The NCPC led a delegation comprising members of the House of Representatives and ground handlers to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a bilateral meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Jerusalem on September 8, 2025.
Bishop Adegbite expressed gratitude for the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s cooperation in ensuring a safe and secure environment for Nigerian pilgrims.
He further assured that the commission would maintain zero abscondment of Nigerian pilgrims in Israel and uphold transparency in its dealings.
The NCPC boss highlighted the unprecedented participation of about 100 House of Representatives members in the Executive Pilgrimage, expressing optimism that this initiative would become a recurring event.
Tania Berg-Rafaeli Director of the West and Central Africa Division at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended Bishop Adegbite for his visionary leadership and quality guidance.
She praised Nigerian pilgrims for their good conduct and promised to collaborate with the Nigerian Embassy in Israel and NCPC to foster robust bilateral relations.
Berg-Rafaeti also disclosed a possible Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between the two nations.
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