The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has sought collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Nigeria as it concludes preparations to transport pilgrims to Rome in October.

A statement issued by Celestine Toruka, NCPC spokesperson, on Saturday in Abuja said the NCPC executive secretary, Yakubu Pam, appealed when he visited the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefano De Leo.

Mr Pam said the visit was to facilitate seamless visa procurement for intending pilgrims to Rome, expected to depart Nigeria on October 16.

He informed the ambassador that the commission would welcome a visit to the pope during the pilgrimage and urged the ambassador to facilitate it.

The executive secretary affirmed that the commission and the embassy had had a long-standing relationship on pilgrimage over the years.

Responding, the Italian ambassador pledged his support and cooperation to the commission, especially in the area of visa procurement, in line with the operational guidelines of the embassy.

Mr De Leo affirmed that Italy and Nigeria had maintained a robust bilateral relationship spanning decades.

The envoy, however, said the embassy in Abuja functions separately from the Italian Consulate in Lagos, which operates independently regarding visa procurement.

Mr Pam was accompanied by NCPC director of operations, Abu Okpanachi, Head Consular unit, Frank Chukwurah and the Head of Protocol, Charlene Makai.

(NAN)