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| Nicki Minaj arrives United Nation Headquarter in New York, Nov. 18 |
Nicki Minaj addresses Christian persecution in Nigeria at the UN, calling for unity and global action against rising attacks.
American superstar Nicki Minaj drew international attention on Tuesday, November 18, after delivering a moving address at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The rapper spoke boldly about the rising reports of religious violence in Nigeria particularly the targeted killings of Christians and called for urgent global intervention.
The event, moderated by Fox News anchored by Harris Faulkner, brought together diplomats, activists and U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, who invited Minaj to speak. Dressed in a stylish black outfit and visibly emotional, Minaj admitted she was nervous before beginning her remarks. But she quickly settled into a firm and confident tone.
She opened by thanking Ambassador Waltz and former President Donald Trump for raising global awareness about the crisis in Nigeria. According to her, the suffering of innocent worshippers whether Christian or otherwise should never be ignored.
Christians in Nigeria are being targeted, driven from their homes, and in many cases, killed, she said. Churches are burned, families are displaced, and entire communities now live in fear all because of how they pray.
Minaj stressed that her message was not political, nor was it meant to divide Nigerians along religious lines. Instead, she framed the issue as a matter of basic human dignity. “This is not about taking sides,” she said. “This is about uniting humanity. Everyone deserves the freedom to believe in something without fearing for their life.”
She also spoke passionately about music as a universal language, explaining how her global tours have shown her that people regardless of culture, race, or religion connect deeply with songs that touch their identity. For her, religious freedom is as sacred as artistic expression.
At different points in her speech, Minaj smiled as she acknowledged her massive Nigerian fanbase, the “Barbz,” calling them beautiful and saying she looked forward to meeting them someday.
She also sent a subtle message to critics questioning her recent support for Trump’s comments on Nigeria, saying she would always stand for justice, no matter the political reaction.
Her speech followed an earlier online exchange where Trump described Christianity in Nigeria as facing an “existential threat.” In a message that sparked heated debate, Trump warned that the U.S. could halt all aid to Nigeria if attacks on Christians persist.
Ambassador Waltz later praised Minaj publicly, calling her “a principled individual who refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice.” Minaj responded saying the opportunity meant more to her than many people knew.
While Minaj’s concerns reflect widespread fears, reports from the Associated Press show that although Christians have been victims of several attacks, many of the recent victims across the northern region have been Muslims as well.
In Ligari village, at least 62 people including a pastor and several children were abducted by armed men in November. Hostages later revealed they were starved, tortured, and pressured to renounce Christianity. Two captives were reportedly killed before the ransom was paid.
Just days later, gunmen attacked a school in Kebbi State, killing a staff member and kidnapping 25 girls. Security analysts say communities across Nigeria’s northwest and central regions continue to suffer from kidnappings, extremist violence, and bandit raids.
As global pressure mounts, the U.S. State Department stated it is “ready, willing, and able” to take action if necessary, though no final decision regarding military involvement has been made.
Minaj concluded her speech with a strong resolve:“I’m not here to divide anyone. I’m here to speak for people who cannot speak for themselves. I’ve always stood for justice, and I will continue to stand for it for the rest of my life.”
Her remarks sparked conversations across Nigeria and beyond, with many fans praising her for using her platform to spotlight a crisis that has cost countless lives.
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