The Federal Government has expressed gratitude to the Redeemed Christian Church of God for donating $265,854 to support 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, will fund 500 one-way tickets for Nigerians affected by xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
“The Ministry regards this donation as a significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing succour to distressed and stranded Nigerians,” the statement read.
The government disclosed that it commenced the ongoing evacuation on 10 June 2026 following a new wave of attacks on African nationals in South Africa.
A total of 1,640 Nigerians have been brought home so far.
The federal government fully sponsored the return of 1,385 of them, while the evacuations of 255 were sponsored through philanthropic donations.
Currently, 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before evacuation.
The High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg remain open and are working through Nigerian community associations to assist those who wish to return.
The Ministry linked the evacuation to the 4Ds foreign policy priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the President’s statement at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union in Luanda on 30 August 2026, delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Ministry welcomed further partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists and faith-based groups to support Nigerians in the diaspora.
The RCCG donation will be deployed in coordination with the church’s leadership in South Africa for the purchase of the 500 tickets. (vitalnewsngr.com)
