The Federal Government has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for donating $265,854 to facilitate the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Thursday, saying the donation would be used to purchase 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians affected by xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The ministry described the donation as a significant demonstration of compassion, solidarity and commitment to the welfare of distressed and stranded Nigerians in the country.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey the profound gratitude of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for the generous donation of $265,854 towards the purchase of 500 one-way tickets for the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.”
The ministry said the gesture also underscored the impact of collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions in addressing social challenges and advancing the common good.
“This gesture further demonstrates the impact that collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions can have in addressing social challenges and advancing the common good.”
The Federal Government commenced the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following a new wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other foreign nationals in the country.
The ministry said 1,640 Nigerian nationals had so far been brought back home, with the Federal Government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385, while the evacuation of the remaining 255 was funded through philanthropic donations.
It added that 202 Nigerians were currently awaiting final screening by the South African Department of Home Affairs before they could be evacuated to Nigeria.
The ministry said the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg remained engaged with Nigerian Community Associations and other established channels to assist Nigerians who wished to return home as a result of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
It said the Federal Government was also sustaining diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to address what it described as the “irritants” of xenophobia and Afrophobia against Nigerians.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria 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 Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.”
The ministry said the commitment was reflected in the President’s diplomatic efforts, including his statement 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.
The statement, delivered on President Tinubu’s behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa and called for urgent collective action to address the situation.
The ministry, while again thanking the RCCG for its contribution, said it welcomed partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders willing to support Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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.”
