The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The donation, made under the leadership of RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, will fund 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home amid a fresh wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, described the gesture as a significant demonstration of compassion and solidarity with Nigerians in distress.
“The Ministry regards this donation as a significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing succour to distressed and stranded Nigerians,” the ministry said.
1,640 Nigerians evacuated so far
According to the Federal Government, the ongoing evacuation exercise commenced on June 10, 2026, following renewed attacks targeting African nationals in South Africa.
The government said 1,640 Nigerians have so far been evacuated from the country.
Of the figure, the Federal Government fully sponsored the return of 1,385 Nigerians, while the evacuation of another 255 people was made possible through philanthropic donations.
The ministry said 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they can be evacuated.
High Commission, consulate assisting Nigerians
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg remain operational and are working with Nigerian community associations to identify and assist citizens who wish to return to Nigeria.
The government said the RCCG donation would be deployed in coordination with the church’s leadership in South Africa to purchase the 500 tickets.
FG seeks more support
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called for greater collaboration with private organisations, philanthropists and faith-based groups to support Nigerians affected by the situation.
It said the evacuation effort was consistent with the 4Ds foreign policy priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the government’s commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians abroad.
The ministry also referenced President Tinubu’s position on the welfare of Africans, as delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union in Luanda on August 30, 2026.
The government said it would continue working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa.
