The Federal Government has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for donating $265,850 towards the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The donation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will fund the purchase of 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home amid renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The ministry, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Thursday, described the intervention as a demonstration of the RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians facing difficult circumstances abroad.
It said the gesture also demonstrated the impact that collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions could have in addressing humanitarian challenges.
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 against Africans and other foreign nationals.
The ministry disclosed that 1,640 Nigerians have so far been brought back to Nigeria, with the Federal Government sponsoring the return of 1,385, while the evacuation of the remaining 255 was supported through philanthropic donations.
It added that 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before their evacuation to Nigeria.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg remain open and are working with Nigerian community associations and other established channels to assist citizens who wish to return home as a result of the attacks.
The ministry said the Federal Government remained committed to addressing xenophobia and Afrophobia against Nigerians through sustained engagement with the South African authorities.
It also recalled that President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa during 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.
The government called on private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at protecting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its contribution, saying the donation would support the safe return of 500 distressed Nigerians to the country.