The Federal Government has thanked the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 to help evacuate distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation will cover 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, the ministry described the donation by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, as “a significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing succour to distressed and stranded Nigerians.”
The ministry said the support was important for Nigerians “faced with the scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa.”
The government began the evacuation on June 10, 2026. So far, 1,640 Nigerians have returned, with the government funding 1,385. Philanthropic donations covered the remaining 255.
Currently, 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before evacuation.
The ministry said, “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.”
It added that the government would continue talks with South African authorities over the “irritants of Xenophobia and Afrophobia against our citizens.”
The ministry also cited President Bola Tinubu’s August 30, 2026 intervention in Luanda, where he was “unequivocal in expressing concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, and calling for urgent collective attention to address the situation.”
It thanked RCCG and said 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.”
