FG moves to activate bilateral air service agreement with Israel

NCPC Initiates Stringent Screening For Pilgrims
Plans are underway by the Federal Government to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Israel, to enable Nigerian Airlines airlift pilgrims directly to the State of Israel. 

Also, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has introduced stringent screening measures to discourage people from absconding during pilgrimage. 

Executive Secretary of the commission, Rev Yakub Pam, who disclosed this at the weekend in Abuja, said under the new regime, guarantors would be held liable for any pilgrim who absconds, while in the Holy land. 

He observed that the commission plans to introduce a three-day mandatory orientation programme for intending pilgrims in the states before the airlift to enable them understand the essence of pilgrimage and spur their spirit of patriotism, nationhood and discourage them from absconding. 

Pam also revealed that the Federal Government has granted the commission the express approval to participate in the 2020 General Pilgrimage exercise to Israel, Rome and Greece, adding that about eight international airports will be used for the 2020 pilgrimage exercise.