FG Thanks RCCG for $265,854 Donation to Evacuate 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 distressed Nigerians from South Africa following xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation would provide 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, described the donation by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, as a significant demonstration of compassion and solidarity with distressed Nigerians.

The Federal Government began the ongoing evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026, following a new wave of attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa.

According to the ministry, 1,640 Nigerians have so far been evacuated, with the government fully funding the return of 1,385 people, while philanthropic donations covered the evacuation of the remaining 255.

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

It added that Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg were continuing to assist Nigerians who wish to return home because of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The ministry said the Federal Government would continue engaging South African authorities to address concerns over attacks against Nigerians and protect the welfare of citizens living in the diaspora.

It also cited President Bola Tinubu’s intervention at the African Union Extraordinary Session in Luanda, Angola, on August 30, where he expressed concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa and called for urgent collective action.

The ministry expressed appreciation to the RCCG and other private organisations, philanthropists and faith-based groups supporting efforts to protect and assist Nigerians abroad.