The Federal Government has thanked the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the donation in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on 3 September 2026, saying the funds would be used to purchase 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians who wish to return home.
The donation was made under the leadership of RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
The ministry described the intervention as a demonstration of the church’s compassion and solidarity with Nigerians facing difficulties in South Africa. It also said the contribution showed how partnerships between faith-based organisations and government institutions could help address humanitarian challenges.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the Federal Government began evacuating distressed Nigerians from South Africa on 10 June 2026 following renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
According to the ministry’s latest figures, 1,640 Nigerians have been brought back to Nigeria since the evacuation exercise began.
It said the Federal Government fully funded the return of 1,385 evacuees, while another 255 Nigerians were evacuated through philanthropic support.
The ministry added that 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they can return to Nigeria.
Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg are continuing to work with Nigerian community associations and other established channels to assist citizens who want to leave the country.
The latest evacuation support comes as Nigeria steps up diplomatic pressure over attacks against Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
On 30 August 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu raised Nigeria’s concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Luanda, Angola.
Tinubu called for urgent collective action by African leaders and requested that the issue be placed on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly scheduled for January 2027.
The Federal Government said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad and welcomed further support from private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders willing to assist Nigerians affected by the situation.
