Nigerian government has expressed appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) over donation of $265,854.00 for purchase of 500 one-way tickets for the evacuation of Nigerians fleeing from South Africa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed the donation by the church led by Pastor E.A Adeboye in a statement of gratitude by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi on Thursday.
Adeniyi, in the statement described the donation by RCCG as as a significant demonstration of the Church’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 Ministry added that the gesture further demonstrated the impact that collaboration between faith-based organisations and public institutions can have in addressing social challenges and advancing the common good.
“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 indicated.
The Ministry also revealed that Federal Government had since 10 June 2026 brought back home 1,640 Nigerians with the government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385 of them, while the evacuations of the remaining 255 were sponsored through philanthropic donations.
It also revealed that 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they are finally evacuated back to Nigeria.
The Ministry added that Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg have continued to reach out through Nigerian Community Associations and other established channels, to assist Nigerians who desire to return home as a result of Xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
It also added that the Nigerian government has sustained engagement with the South African authorities to address the irritants of Xenophobia and Afrophobia against its citizens.
It added that Nigeria remains resolutely committed to promoting the welfare and well-being of Nigerians in the Diaspora, in line with the 4Ds foreign policy priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.
The Ministry said the commitment was exemplified by the sustained and concerted efforts of President Bola Tinubu on the diplomatic front, including his decisive Statement during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) held on 30 August 2026 in Luanda, Angola.
It noted that in the State delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu was unequivocal in expressing concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, and calling for urgent collective attention to address the situation.
“While thanking the Redeemed Christian Church of God for its contribution to the ongoing evacuation efforts again, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state that it welcomes impactful partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners and other stakeholders whose contributions can engender meaningful and lasting positive bearing on Nigerians in the Diaspora,” the Ministry concluded.
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