The Federal Government has commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating $265,854 to support the evacuation of distressed Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, noting that the donation would cover 500 one-way air tickets for Nigerians seeking to return home.

The ministry described the gesture by the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, as a significant demonstration of compassion, solidarity and commitment to assisting Nigerians facing difficult circumstances abroad.

According to the ministry, the Federal Government began the ongoing evacuation exercise on June 10, 2026, following a fresh wave of attacks targeting Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

So far, 1,640 Nigerians have been evacuated to Nigeria, with the Federal Government fully sponsoring the return of 1,385, while philanthropic donations have funded the evacuation of the remaining 255 Nigerians.

The ministry added that 202 Nigerians are currently awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs before their return to Nigeria.

The Federal Government said Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg remain engaged with Nigerian community associations and other relevant channels to identify and assist citizens who wish to return home because of the attacks.

It further assured that it would continue diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to address the persistent concerns surrounding xenophobia and Afrophobia against Nigerians.

The ministry also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s intervention at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, on August 30, 2026, where he expressed concern over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa and called for urgent collective action.

The Federal Government reiterated its appreciation to the RCCG and encouraged further collaboration with private organisations, philanthropists, faith-based organisations and development partners to promote the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora