Nicki Minaj Set to Address UN on Alleged Attacks Against Christians in Nigeria

American rap star Onika Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, is scheduled to speak at a United Nations event in New York on Tuesday, where she is expected to spotlight rising concerns over alleged attacks targeting Christian communities in Nigeria.

Minaj will join senior U.S. officials, including the country’s ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, at the high-level session convened to examine global religious persecution. The event has drawn attention due to Minaj’s involvement, after weeks of debate in the United States over claims of widespread violence against Christians in Nigeria.

The music icon, who publicly acknowledged the invitation, said she viewed the role as a serious responsibility and emphasized her commitment to speaking out against injustice. She stated that her influence must “serve a greater purpose,” adding that no community should face violence for practicing its faith.

Ambassador Waltz praised Minaj for lending her platform to the issue, describing her as an artist who “refuses to stay silent when human rights are threatened.” His comments underscored growing political pressure in Washington, where calls have intensified for stronger U.S. action on Nigeria’s security challenges.

The planned UN engagement follows recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing systematic attacks. He proposed that the country be placed under a special watch category, a move that sparked diplomatic tension and drew criticism from Nigeria’s government.

Authorities in Abuja have repeatedly dismissed claims of religion-based persecution, insisting that the nation’s security crisis stems from criminal activities, banditry, and insurgency that affect citizens across different faiths. Despite this, U.S. officials continue to express concern, arguing that patterns of violence require deeper scrutiny.

Minaj’s appearance at the UN is expected to attract significant global attention, merging the worlds of entertainment and international diplomacy as debates surrounding Nigeria’s security landscape grow more complex and politically charged.