The Federal Government has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation would cover 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home following reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The ministry disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday.
The government described the donation by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, as a significant demonstration of compassion and solidarity towards Nigerians facing difficult conditions in South Africa.
The ministry said the gesture would provide support to Nigerians affected by what it described as the “scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia” in the country.
“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.”
The ministry said it appreciated the RCCG’s intervention and looked forward to working with the church’s leadership in South Africa to ensure the donation was used to facilitate the return of the 500 Nigerians.
The Federal Government began the ongoing evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026, following a new wave of reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1,640 Nigerian nationals have so far been brought back to Nigeria, with the Federal Government fully funding the return of 1,385 people.
The remaining 255 Nigerians were evacuated through philanthropic donations, while another 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before their return.
Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa have also continued to engage with Nigerian community associations and other established channels to identify and assist citizens who wish to return home because of the reported attacks.
The ministry said the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg remain operational and continue to provide assistance to Nigerians in the country.
The Federal Government also said it would maintain discussions with South African authorities over the issue of xenophobia and Afrophobia affecting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians living abroad, in line with the 4Ds foreign policy priorities of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
It also recalled President Tinubu’s intervention 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.
According to the ministry, Tinubu expressed concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa and called for urgent collective action to address the problem.
The Federal Government further welcomed contributions from private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations and development partners, saying such partnerships could provide meaningful support to Nigerians facing difficulties abroad.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
