The federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has expressed gratitude to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its $265,854.00 donation toward purchasing 500 one-way tickets to evacuate distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the donation was a “significant demonstration of the RCCG’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 deployed to the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians,” it added.

According to the ministry, the federal government commenced the ongoing evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa on 10 June 2026, following a new wave of Xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on Africans and other nationals in the country.

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 remaining 255 were evacuated 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,” it added.

Thanking the RCCG again for its contribution to the ongoing evacuation efforts, the ministry said it welcomes partnerships with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders whose contributions can create meaningful and lasting positive impact for Nigerians in the diaspora.