In a compelling address at a United Nations event organized by the United States, internationally renowned rapper Nicki Minaj spotlighted the escalating threat against Christians in Nigeria, calling for urgent global action to stop the violence. Minaj highlighted concerns initially raised by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the persecution of Christians in the West African nation. She characterized the situation as a “deadly threat” that requires immediate attention to defend religious freedom.
Speaking alongside U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and faith leaders, Minaj expressed gratitude for Trump’s leadership, applauding his calls to combat extremism and protect those exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. Minaj stated, “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.” She emphasized that the issue was not about dividing people but about uniting them, describing Nigeria as “a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions” she hopes to see strengthened.
Minaj acknowledged feeling nervous to speak at the panel but vowed to continue standing up against injustice wherever religious persecution occurs. She stressed that the problem extended beyond Nigeria, affecting Christians globally. Her remarks included a heartfelt note on music’s power to connect people, stating, “Religious freedom means we all sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we believe.
“The event followed assertions by U.S. officials that in 2025 alone, approximately 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria, with estimates of up to 100,000 killed since 2009. The U.S. State Department has designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to these attacks. However, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has pushed back against claims that Christians alone are targeted, pointing out that violence affects Muslims and people of no faith equally.
Minaj’s intervention at the UN underscores a growing call for international vigilance and for effective measures to protect vulnerable communities in Nigeria and elsewhere facing religious persecution.
