RCCG Donates $265,854 to Evacuate 500 Nigerians from South Africa

The Federal Government has commended 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, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the donation would be used to purchase 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.

The ministry described the contribution as a demonstration of RCCG’s compassion and commitment to supporting stranded Nigerians affected by the attacks.

According to the ministry, the Federal Government began the ongoing evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026, following a new wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa.

It disclosed that 1,640 Nigerian nationals have so far been brought back to Nigeria, with the Federal Government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385 people, while the remaining 255 were evacuated through philanthropic donations.

The ministry added that 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before their evacuation to Nigeria.

It said Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg remained open and continued to engage Nigerian community associations and other established channels to assist citizens who wished to return home because of the attacks.

The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora and addressing xenophobia and Afrophobia through diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.

The ministry said President Bola Tinubu had expressed concern over the recurring attacks during 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 added that the President, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for urgent collective action to address the situation.