FG Commends RCCG for $265,854 Donation to Evacuate 500 Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, said the donation would fund 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home.

 

The ministry described the gesture by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as “a significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing succour to distressed and stranded Nigerians.”

 

It said the donation was particularly important for Nigerians “faced with the scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa.”

 

The ministry added that the gesture demonstrated the impact of collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions in addressing social challenges.

 

“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,” it 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 targeting Africans and other nationals in the country.

 

According to the ministry, 1,640 Nigerian nationals have 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 funded through philanthropic donations.

 

The ministry disclosed that 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before their evacuation to Nigeria.

 

“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 ministry said the Federal Government would continue engaging South African authorities to address the “irritants of Xenophobia and Afrophobia against our citizens.”

 

It added that the government remained 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 President 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 and said it welcomed impactful partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders whose contributions could have a meaningful and lasting impact on Nigerians in the diaspora.