The Federal Government has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Friday, describing the donation as a show of compassion and solidarity with Nigerians affected by xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The ministry said the contribution would fund 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home, adding that the gesture highlights the importance of cooperation between faith-based organisations and government institutions in responding to social challenges.
The Federal Government began evacuating distressed Nigerians from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following a fresh wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other nationals in the country.
So far, 1,640 Nigerians have been evacuated to Nigeria. Of that number, the government fully funded the return of 1,385 people, while 255 others were brought home through philanthropic support.
The ministry also disclosed that 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they can be evacuated.
It said the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg remain engaged with Nigerian community associations and other relevant groups to assist citizens who wish to return home because of the attacks.
The ministry expressed appreciation to the RCCG for its support and called for more partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based groups, development partners and other stakeholders to support Nigerians living abroad.