FG Hails RCCG’s $265,854 Support for Nigerians Fleeing South Africa

The Federal Government has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the contribution in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi. The funds will be used to purchase 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home.

The ministry described the donation as a significant demonstration of compassion and solidarity with Nigerians who have found themselves stranded or vulnerable amid tensions involving foreign nationals in South Africa.

It also highlighted the potential impact of cooperation between government institutions and faith-based organisations in responding to humanitarian emergencies.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria began its ongoing evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026, following a fresh wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

A total of 1,640 Nigerian nationals have so far been brought back to Nigeria.

Of that number, the Federal Government fully sponsored the return of 1,385 Nigerians, while philanthropic contributions helped finance the evacuation of the remaining 255 people.

The ministry said 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they can be evacuated.

Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg are continuing to engage Nigerian community associations and other established channels to assist citizens who wish to leave South Africa because of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The Federal Government said it would continue engaging South African authorities on the issue while maintaining its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

The Ministry also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s position at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, on August 30, where Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the President’s statement expressing concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa and calling for urgent collective action.

The latest intervention by RCCG comes as the government continues to rely on a combination of public funding and private philanthropic support to bring affected Nigerians home. Earlier evacuation efforts had also received support from private individuals.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it welcomes further partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based groups, development partners and other stakeholders willing to support Nigerians in the diaspora.

The RCCG donation will therefore provide funding for another 500 Nigerians to obtain one-way tickets home, potentially taking the number of returnees supported through the latest phase of the exercise significantly higher.