FG thanks RCCG over $265k donation to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa
Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Government has expressed deep appreciation to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 to purchase 500 one-way tickets for evacuating distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid a fresh wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
In a press statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the donation as “a significant demonstration of RCCG’s compassion, solidarity and genuine commitment to providing succour to distressed and stranded Nigerians” facing violence in South Africa.
The ministry added that the 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.”
The evacuation operation began on June 10, 2026, following renewed attacks on Africans and other nationals in South Africa.
Since then, 1,640 Nigerians have been brought home, with the government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385 and philanthropists covering 255, while 202 others are awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before departure.
The statement also tied the effort to President Bola Tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy priorities and highlighted his administration’s diplomatic push on the issue, including the president’s “decisive Statement” at the African Union’s 21st Extraordinary Session in Luanda on August 30, 2026, where he voiced concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and called for urgent collective action.
Reiterating its openness to collaboration, the ministry said 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.”
