Rapper Nicki Minaj drew attention to claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria on Tuesday, speaking at a United Nations event hosted by the U.S. She said she wants to shed light on what she described as “the deadly threat” facing Christians in the West African nation.
The remarks echo former President Donald Trump’s assertion that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat,” prompting him to direct the Pentagon to consider potential military measures. While experts note that some attacks specifically target Christians, most emphasize that widespread violence in Nigeria affects all citizens regardless of faith.
During the panel at the U.S. mission to the United Nations, Minaj thanked Trump for urging urgent action “to defend Christians in Nigeria, combat extremism, and halt violence against those simply exercising their right to religious freedom.” She shared the stage with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and other faith leaders.
Minaj initially drew attention to the issue via a response to Trump’s social media post, stating, “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.”
Pope Leo XIV also commented on Sunday, noting that Christians face discrimination in countries including Nigeria, Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan.
Ambassador Waltz introduced Minaj as someone using her platform “not as a celebrity but as a witness” to highlight the plight of Nigeria’s persecuted church to her millions of social media followers. Minaj, admitting she was “very nervous” to speak, pledged to continue standing against injustice wherever religious persecution occurs.
She emphasized that supporting Christians in Nigeria is not about division but unity. Calling Nigeria “a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions,” Minaj said she looks forward to visiting.
Drawing from her global music career, she added, “Religious freedom means we all sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we believe.”
