RCCG Donates $265,854 to Evacuate 500 Nigerians from South Africa
…As FG commends church’s intervention amid xenophobic, Afrophobic attacks
The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, for donating 265,854 US dollars towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the donation would fund the purchase of 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home following renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The ministry described the gesture by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as a demonstration of compassion, solidarity and commitment to the welfare of distressed and stranded Nigerians.
It said the contribution also underscored the importance of collaboration between faith-based organisations and government institutions in addressing social challenges and promoting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
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.
According to the ministry, 1,640 Nigerians have so far been evacuated, with the Federal Government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385, while philanthropic donations funded the evacuation of the remaining 255.
It added that 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they can be evacuated to Nigeria.
The ministry said the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg would continue to work with Nigerian community associations and other established channels to assist citizens who wish to return home.
It further disclosed that the Federal Government would continue diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to address xenophobia and Afrophobia against Nigerians.
The ministry said the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad was in line with the 4Ds foreign policy priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
It also recalled President Tinubu’s recent intervention at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, where he raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs again thanked the RCCG for its contribution and welcomed similar partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based groups and development partners whose interventions could positively impact Nigerians in the diaspora.
