The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for donating $265,854, equivalent to about ₦352 million, to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
According to the ministry, the donation will fund the purchase of 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa as concerns continue over attacks targeting Nigerians and other Africans in the country.
The ministry described the RCCG’s intervention as a significant demonstration of compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing assistance to distressed and stranded Nigerians affected by xenophobia and Afrophobia.
“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,” the statement said.
The Federal Government said the gesture also demonstrated the positive impact that collaboration between faith-based organisations and government institutions could have in addressing social challenges and protecting citizens in distress.
“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 added.
The Federal Government commenced the ongoing evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026, following a fresh wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 1,640 Nigerians had so far been evacuated under the exercise.
It disclosed that the Federal Government fully funded the return of 1,385 Nigerians, while philanthropic donations sponsored the evacuation of the remaining 255.
Another 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before their evacuation to Nigeria can proceed.
The ministry said Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg remained open and were continuing to reach out to Nigerians through Nigerian Community Associations and other established channels.
According to the ministry, the diplomatic missions were assisting Nigerians who wished to return home as a result of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
“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 statement said.
The Federal Government also said it was continuing diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to address attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in the country.
It said the government remained committed to promoting the welfare and well-being of Nigerians living abroad while pursuing diplomatic measures to address the causes and recurring nature of xenophobia and Afrophobia.
“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,” the ministry stated.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs linked the government’s response to President Bola Tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy priorities, particularly its focus on protecting Nigeria’s interests and citizens abroad.
The ministry also referenced President Tinubu’s intervention at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held in Luanda, Angola, on August 30, 2026.
It said Tinubu, in a statement delivered on his 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 problem.
The government said diplomatic engagement with South African authorities would continue alongside efforts to evacuate Nigerians who feel unsafe and wish to return home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further welcomed additional contributions from private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to support Nigerians facing difficulties abroad.
“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,” the statement said.
The RCCG’s $265,854 donation is therefore expected to provide immediate assistance to 500 Nigerians seeking to leave South Africa, while adding to the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to evacuate citizens affected by the renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
The development also highlights the role of religious and private institutions in supporting government-led interventions when Nigerians abroad face serious security and humanitarian challenges.