The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has airlifted the first batch of 107 Nigerians from South Africa, beginning a humanitarian programme to facilitate the return of about 500 Nigerians to the country.
Key Highlights
- RCCG funded the airlift of the first 107 Nigerians from Johannesburg to Lagos.
- The church is supporting the return of about 500 Nigerians from South Africa.
- Pastor Enoch Adeboye approved the intervention on humanitarian grounds.
- The returnees include Nigerians from different religious backgrounds.
- NEMA and other government agencies received and profiled the returnees in Lagos.
- RCCG previously donated $265,854 to support 500 one-way tickets.
RCCG Begins Repatriation of Nigerians From South Africa
The first batch arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday night after departing Johannesburg. Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and other relevant government agencies received the returnees and began profiling them.
The development followed an appeal from the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa for assistance in facilitating the return of Nigerians affected by security and humanitarian concerns.
Pastor Belemina Obunge, Chairman of the RCCG Task Force for the Reception of Nigerian Returnees from South Africa and Special Adviser to the General Overseer on Special Duties, said Pastor Enoch Adeboye approved the intervention on humanitarian grounds.
Obunge said the first batch marked the start of the church’s programme to fund air transportation for 500 Nigerians from Johannesburg to Lagos. Further batches are expected as documentation and clearance are completed.
Returnees Not Selected Based on Religion
Obunge said beneficiaries were not selected based on RCCG membership or religious affiliation. The returnees had been profiled and documented by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa in collaboration with relevant South African authorities.
He said Nigerians from different religious backgrounds were included, with nationality and the need for assistance forming the basis for eligibility.
NEMA Begins Profiling of Returnees
After arriving in Lagos, the returnees underwent profiling by government agencies before arrangements were made for onward transportation to their respective states. The agencies are responsible for reception, coordination and onward support, while RCCG is funding the air transportation.
RCCG Donates $265,854 for Evacuation
The airlift follows RCCG’s earlier donation of $265,854 to support the evacuation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.
The church said the contribution was made to facilitate safe passage for vulnerable Nigerians seeking to return home amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic tensions. The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously said RCCG’s donation would cover 500 one-way tickets.
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More Nigerians Expected to Return
The RCCG-supported evacuation forms part of a broader Nigerian government repatriation exercise that began in June 2026. In a September 4 update, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 1,640 Nigerians had been brought back, with the Federal Government sponsoring 1,385 returnees and philanthropic support covering another 255. It also said 202 Nigerians were awaiting final screening by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
Additional RCCG-supported flights are expected as documentation and clearance for other registered Nigerians are completed. The arrival of the first 107 returnees marks the start of the church’s planned airlift of about 500 Nigerians from South Africa.
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