The Redeemed Christian Church of God has donated $265,854 to support the evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Federal Government disclosed the donation on Friday, saying the funds would cover one-way air tickets for 500 Nigerians seeking to return home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the contribution was made by the church under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
The ministry, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, described the donation as an important show of solidarity with Nigerians facing difficulties in South Africa.
According to the ministry, the intervention demonstrates how partnerships between faith-based organisations and public institutions can provide assistance to citizens in distress.
The government said it welcomed the support and would work with RCCG’s leadership in South Africa to ensure the funds are used for the evacuation of the affected Nigerians.
1,640 Nigerians already evacuated
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 foreign nationals.
The ministry said 1,640 Nigerians had been returned to the country as of Friday.
Of that figure, the Federal Government funded the return of 1,385 Nigerians, while philanthropic support was used to finance the evacuation of the remaining 255.
The ministry added that 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they can be evacuated.
Government engages South African authorities
Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg are continuing to work with Nigerian community associations and other relevant groups to identify citizens who want to return home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government would maintain discussions with South African authorities over concerns surrounding xenophobia and Afrophobia against Nigerians.
It also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians living abroad under the foreign policy priorities of the Bola Tinubu administration.
Tinubu raises concerns at AU meeting
The ministry also pointed to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, on August 30.
Tinubu raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa and called for urgent collective action to address the problem.
The ministry said it appreciated RCCG and other private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based groups and development partners supporting Nigerians in the diaspora.
It added that such partnerships could provide immediate assistance while contributing to longer-term solutions to challenges facing Nigerians abroad.
