The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation would fund 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home following xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The ministry disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday.
The donation by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, was described by the ministry as “a significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing succour to distressed and stranded Nigerians.”
The ministry said the gesture was particularly important for Nigerians “faced with the scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa.”
It added, “This gesture further demonstrates the impact that collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions can have in addressing social challenges and advancing the common good.
“We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to working with the church’s leadership in South Africa, as the generous donation is deployed to the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians,” the ministry stated.
The Federal Government commenced the ongoing evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following a new wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on Africans and other nationals in the country.
The ministry said 1,640 Nigerian nationals had so far been brought back home, with the Federal Government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385.
It said the evacuation of the remaining 255 Nigerians was sponsored through philanthropic donations.
Currently, 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they are evacuated to Nigeria.
According to the ministry, “Our High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg remain open as they continue to reach out through Nigerian Community Associations and other established channels, to assist Nigerians who desire to return home as a result of Xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.”
The ministry said the government would continue its engagement with South African authorities to address the “irritants of Xenophobia and Afrophobia against our citizens.”
It added that the Federal Government “remains resolutely committed to promoting the welfare and well-being of Nigerians in the Diaspora,” in line with the 4Ds foreign policy priorities of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
The ministry also referenced Tinubu’s intervention at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held on August 30, 2026, in Luanda, Angola.
It said the President was “unequivocal in expressing concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, and calling for urgent collective attention to address the situation.”
The ministry reiterated its appreciation to the RCCG, saying it “welcomes impactful partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders whose contributions can engender meaningful and lasting positive bearing on Nigerians in the Diaspora.”
