The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for donating $265,854 towards the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the contribution as a demonstration of compassion and solidarity with Nigerians affected by xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the country.
The ministry said Nigeria began the ongoing evacuation of distressed citizens from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following a fresh wave of attacks against Africans and other nationals. It said 1,640 Nigerians have so far been repatriated, with the Federal Government funding the return of 1,385 people while philanthropic donations sponsored the evacuation of 255 others; meanwhile, 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government remains committed to protecting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora while engaging South African authorities to address xenophobia and Afrophobia. It also welcomed further partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based groups and development partners, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to raise concerns over attacks against Nigerians and other Africans on diplomatic platforms.
Below is the commendation letter:
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, ABUJA
PRESS RELEASE
NO: MFA/PR/2026/222
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA APPRECIATES THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD FOR ITS DONATION TOWARDS THE EVACUATION OF DISTRESSED NIGERIANS FROM SOUTH AFRICA
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 Two Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Four US Dollars ($265,854.00) towards the purchase of 500 one-way tickets for the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
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 who are faced with the scourges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa. 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. 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.
It is recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria commenced the ongoing evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa on 10 June 2026, following a new wave of Xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on Africans and other nationals in the country. Since then, a total of 1,640 Nigerian nationals have been brought back home, with the Federal Government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385 of them, while the evacuations of the remaining 255 were sponsored through philanthropic donations.
Currently, 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they are finally evacuated back 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.
As we sustain our engagement with the South African authorities to address the irritants of Xenophobia and Afrophobia against our citizens, 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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.
This commitment is exemplified by the sustained and concerted efforts of Mr. President on the diplomatic front, including his decisive Statement during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) held on 30 August 2026 in Luanda, Angola. In the Statement, delivered on his behalf by H.E. Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, Mr. 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.
While thanking the Redeemed Christian Church of God for its contribution to the ongoing evacuation efforts again, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state that 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.
Signed:
Oluwafemi Adeniyi
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Thursday, 03 September 2026