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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has conveyed the profound gratitude of the Federal Government to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for its generous donation of $265,854 towards the purchase of 500 one-way tickets for the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the government regarded the donation as a significant demonstration of the RCCG led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye’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.
“This gesture further demonstrates 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 applied to the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians,” Adeniyi said.
The Spokesperson recalled that the Federal Government commenced the ongoing evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa on June 10, 2026, following a new wave of Xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on Africans and other nationals in the country.
He added that since then, a total of 1,640 Nigerian nationals have been brought back home, with the Federal Government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385 of them, while the evacuations of the remaining 255 were sponsored through philanthropic donations.
“Currently, 202 Nigerians are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before they are finally evacuated back to Nigeria. Our High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg remain open as they continue 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.
“As we sustain our engagement with the South African authorities to address the irritants of Xenophobia and Afrophobia against our citizens, the Federal Government of 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.
“This commitment is exemplified by the sustained and concerted efforts of Mr. President 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. In the Statement, Mr. President 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,” he stated.
