This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite. The statement was signed by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka.
In August, PUNCH Online reported that the NCPC had suspended trips to Israel and Jordan due to heightened tensions in the Middle East. Adegbite, however, assured that necessary measures had been taken to ensure a smooth and successful exercise once it begins.
As part of preparations, the NCPC boss revealed that he personally inspected the pilgrims’ aircraft in Antalya, Turkey. He was received by Atlasjet’s Executive Director, Mr. Serkan Yazicioglu. Atlasjet, he noted, is the airline officially contracted to airlift Nigerian Christian pilgrims in 2025.
“The Commission cannot afford to compromise on its standards. Physical inspection of the aircraft was essential to confirm that it meets specifications in the contractual agreement,” Adegbite said, stressing that due process remains a key policy thrust of his administration.
He expressed satisfaction with the inspection, adding that the Airbus aircraft equipped with modern in-flight facilities and seating capacity of 350 would guarantee the safety and comfort of pilgrims.
Yazicioglu, on his part, assured that Atlasjet would deliver a seamless service, reiterating that the safety of Nigerian pilgrims remained their top priority. He confirmed that the aircraft would be deployed to Nigeria ahead of the September 14 inaugural flight to Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
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