The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) ACT commenced on the 28th of May, 2007. It is an Act to re-organise the role of the Federal Government in the co-ordination of Christian pilgrim matters, the consequential repeal of the Nigerian Pilgrims Act, 1989 and to establish a National Pilgrim Commission that will license, regulate, perform oversight and supervisory functions over other bodies and agencies and for related matters. Enacted by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it has a sister act in the NATIONAL HAJJ COMMISSION OF NIGERIA (NAHCON)
It should be noted that subject to section 6 of the Interpretation Act, the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission Act is repealed and the assets and liabilities of the Commission established by the said Act are hereby transferred to the Commission established by this Act.
According to the Act in Section 1, There is established a body to be known as “the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission” which shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal. The Commission may also sue and be sued in its corporate name, hold, acquire and dispose of any property, movable or immovable as provided for in Section 2. With regard to the composition of the Commission, it shall consist of – a Chairman; a Secretary to the Commission; a representative, from each of the following Federal Ministries and bodies (as an ex officio member}-Aviation; Central Bank of Nigeria; Foreign Affairs; Health; Internal Affairs; and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).The Chairman and members of the Commission shall be paid such remuneration and allowances as the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission may from time to time determine.
The functions of the Commission shall include-
- licence, regulate, supervise and perform oversight functions over organisations, associations (corporate or non-corporate) or similar bodies engaged in-
- organising and co-ordinating the movement of persons from Nigeria to Jerusalem and other Holy Sites;
- (ii) the provision of accommodation, transportation and other services related to pilgrimage in Israel; and other Holy Sites;
- liaise and co-ordinate with the appropriate Government authorities or organs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Israel on the rules and regulations governing entry into and staying in Israel for the purposes of pilgrimage including all appropriate immigration, passport and related consular services;
- co-ordinate the provision of health, financial, security, customs, immigration and related services to persons proceeding to, or returning from, Israel, after pilgrimage;
- ensure the establishment and management of pilgrims camps and related facilities, equipment and such other necessary materials;
- establish or set up and maintain libraries of books and other relevant publications as well as cinematograph and other facilities of use to persons interested in or desirous of undertaking a pilgrimage, so however that the library shall open to the public upon and subject to any condition as to the use which the Commission may think fit to impose
- conduct campaigns on pilgrims, educative as well as religious, in all States of the Federation, and the Federal Capital Territory;
- appoint such number of medical practitioners and medical staff as it thinks fit;
- issue guidelines and rules that will ensure that the States Pilgrims Welfare Agencies provide appropriate welfare services and guides for pilgrims; and
- do such other things that are conducive or incidental to the discharge of the foregoing functions, provided that this subsection shall not be interpreted to be conferring any additional functions on the Commission.
Source: www.legalnaija.com
VISION: The vision of the NCPC is to be an Organization providing excellent services and administration to Nigerian Christians who perform pilgrimage to Holy sites around the world.
An organization with high spiritual content capable of being translated into action for national development, security, probity and accountability, in line with the policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
MISSION: The mission of the NCPC is to provide conducive environment for the smooth airlifting of pilgrims to Holy sites and to ensure enhanced welfare, responsible leadership at all levels, Federal and States, for hitch-free pilgrimage exercise throughout the year; And to supervise any interested body or organization for the purposes of Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy sites globally.
For more info, visit www.ncpc.gov.ng
