The Redeemed Christian Church of God has donated $265,854 to support the Federal Government’s evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa following xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation would fund 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home.
The ministry disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday.
It described the donation by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, as “a significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing succour to distressed and stranded Nigerians.”
The ministry said the gesture was particularly important for Nigerians “faced with the scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa.”
It added that the partnership demonstrated the potential 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,” the ministry stated.
1,640 Nigerians Evacuated
The Federal Government began the ongoing evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following a new wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against 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.
The remaining 255 Nigerians were evacuated through philanthropic donations, the ministry said.
It added 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 government said it would continue engaging South African authorities to address the “irritants of Xenophobia and Afrophobia against our citizens.”
It added that the Federal Government “remains resolutely 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.
Tinubu Raises Xenophobia Concerns
The ministry also referenced President Bola 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 “welcomes impactful partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders whose contributions can engender meaningful and lasting positive bearing on Nigerians in the Diaspora.”
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