Xenophobia: FG Appreciates RCCG’s $265,854 Donation For Evacuation Of Distressed Nigerians From South Africa

The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation, made under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, would fund the purchase of 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.

In a statement on Thursday, September 3, by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the Federal Government described the contribution as “a significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment” to providing assistance to distressed and stranded Nigerians.

The ministry said the gesture also highlighted the importance of collaboration between faith-based organisations and government institutions in addressing social challenges.

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“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 statement said.

The Federal Government commenced the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following a new wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in the country.

According to the ministry, 1,640 Nigerians have so far been brought back to Nigeria, with the Federal Government sponsoring the return of 1,385, while philanthropic donations funded the evacuation of the remaining 255.

The ministry added that 202 Nigerians were 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 engaged with Nigerian Community Associations and other established channels to assist citizens who wish to return home due to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The Federal Government said it would continue its engagement with South African authorities to address what it described as the “irritants of Xenophobia and Afrophobia” against Nigerians.

It added that the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora remained a priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration under its 4Ds foreign policy priorities.

The ministry also referenced President Tinubu’s position on the issue during 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.

The statement said the President, through Vice-President Kashim Shettima, had expressed concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa and called for urgent collective action to address the situation.

While again thanking the RCCG for its contribution, the ministry said it welcomed partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders whose interventions could improve the welfare of Nigerians abroad.