The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has donated $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against African migrants in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing the donation as a significant demonstration of compassion, solidarity and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians facing difficult circumstances abroad.
According to the ministry, the donation will be used to purchase 500 one-way air tickets for distressed Nigerians who have expressed the desire to return home 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,” the statement said.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the church for supporting its ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians affected by the security and social challenges confronting them in South Africa.
The ministry also said the contribution underscored the importance of collaboration between government institutions and faith-based organisations in responding to the needs of Nigerians in distress outside the country.
“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 latest intervention comes against the backdrop of an ongoing evacuation exercise initiated by the Federal Government following a new wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks reported in parts of South Africa.
The evacuation exercise commenced on June 10, 2026, as the Nigerian government intensified efforts to protect and assist citizens affected by the situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a total of 1,640 Nigerian nationals had so far been brought back to Nigeria under the ongoing evacuation programme.
Of the figure, 1,385 Nigerians were evacuated with full sponsorship from the Federal Government, while 255 others were brought home through philanthropic donations and support from individuals and organisations.
The ministry said 202 Nigerian nationals were still awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they could be evacuated.
The Federal Government has continued to work through Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa to identify distressed Nigerians, provide assistance and facilitate their return where necessary.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg have also remained engaged with Nigerian nationals and community groups across the country.
According to the ministry, the missions have continued to reach out to Nigerians through Nigerian Community Associations as part of efforts to monitor developments, provide consular support and ensure that citizens in distress have access to assistance.
The Federal Government also said it had maintained diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities over the situation, particularly on the protection of Nigerian citizens and the need to prevent attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The government’s response is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s foreign policy framework, particularly its commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians wherever they reside.
President Tinubu had earlier expressed concern over the recurring incidents of xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa and called for urgent collective attention to the issue.
The President made the remarks 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, where the statement was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Federal Government said it remained concerned about the recurrence of attacks and discrimination against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, stressing the need for stronger measures to guarantee the safety and dignity of citizens living and working abroad.
The ministry noted that the RCCG donation would complement government’s ongoing efforts and provide additional resources to facilitate the return of distressed Nigerians who might otherwise face difficulties in securing transportation out of the country.
It said the intervention also demonstrated the value of partnerships between government and non-state actors in addressing humanitarian challenges.
The Federal Government therefore welcomed continued support from private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders willing to assist Nigerians facing difficult circumstances abroad.
The ministry stressed that such partnerships would help strengthen the government’s capacity to respond quickly to emergencies involving Nigerian citizens outside the country.
The evacuation programme is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to provide protection and consular assistance to Nigerians affected by xenophobia, Afrophobia and other forms of hostility in foreign countries.
The government has also continued to urge Nigerians living abroad to remain vigilant, comply with local laws and maintain contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions whenever they require assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerians abroad and ensuring that citizens in distress receive appropriate consular support.
It further expressed appreciation to the RCCG leadership for the financial assistance, describing the donation as an important contribution to the government’s ongoing efforts to bring distressed Nigerians back home safely.
The ministry said it would continue to coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the funds are effectively deployed towards the evacuation of the 500 Nigerians covered by the donation.
The development also highlights the growing role of faith-based and philanthropic organisations in supporting government-led humanitarian interventions, particularly during emergencies involving vulnerable Nigerian citizens abroad.
With 202 Nigerians still undergoing final screening by the South African Department of Home Affairs, the Federal Government is expected to continue working with the relevant South African authorities and Nigerian diplomatic missions to facilitate their eventual return.
The government maintained that the welfare and safety of Nigerian citizens remain a key priority of its foreign policy and assured Nigerians abroad that it would continue to respond to situations requiring diplomatic, humanitarian and consular intervention.