RismadarVoice Reporters
September 4, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation would fund 500 one-way tickets for stranded Nigerians seeking to return home.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the government described the gesture by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as a demonstration of compassion and solidarity with Nigerians facing difficult circumstances abroad.
The ministry said the donation also highlighted the importance of partnerships between government institutions and faith-based organisations in addressing humanitarian challenges.
It expressed appreciation to the RCCG and encouraged other private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based groups and development partners to support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Federal Government began evacuating distressed Nigerians from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Africans and other foreign nationals in the country.
According to the ministry, 1,640 Nigerians have so far been repatriated.
Of that number, the government fully funded the return of 1,385 people, while 255 others were evacuated with support from philanthropic contributions.
The ministry added that 202 Nigerians were currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they could be evacuated to Nigeria.
Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg, the government said, remain operational and are working with Nigerian community associations and other established channels to assist citizens who wish to return home.
The Federal Government also said it was continuing discussions with South African authorities to address recurring incidents of xenophobia and Afrophobia involving Nigerians.
The ministry further stated that the donation was consistent with the administration’s commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
It noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima had, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, raised concerns over the attacks during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, on August 30, 2026.
The ministry said it looked forward to working with the RCCG leadership in South Africa as the donated funds are deployed towards the evacuation of the 500 distressed Nigerians.
