Nicki Minaj Urges Global Action to Protect Persecuted Christians in Nigeria at UN

Nicki Minaj delivered a passionate appeal at a United Nations gathering on Tuesday, calling on world leaders to urgently intervene to protect Christians facing rising violence in Nigeria.

Addressing delegates, the rapper said it was “an honor” to draw international attention to the plight of Nigerian Christian communities, who she said are increasingly targeted by extremist groups. She also thanked Ambassador Waltz for the invitation and acknowledged US President Donald Trump for “prioritising this issue and calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria.”

Minaj contrasted the situation in Nigeria with religious freedoms enjoyed in the United States, saying no one should ever face harm or discrimination over their beliefs. “We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order to respect one another,” she said. “Expecting everyone to think the same is ridiculous.”

Reflecting on her global career, she said music has shown her how people of different cultures and religions can connect, adding that religious freedom “means everyone can sing their faith regardless of who they are or where they come from.”

Turning to Nigeria, Minaj warned that Christian communities are “being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed,” with churches burned, families displaced and entire villages living in constant fear. She stressed that the violence mirrors a growing pattern of religious persecution worldwide and requires coordinated global action.

“Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about division,” she said. “It is about uniting humanity.” She described Nigeria as “a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions,” and urged the world not to ignore attacks on any place of worship. “When a church, mosque, or temple is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little.”

Minaj praised peacebuilders and faith leaders in attendance, saying their work offered hope at a time of rising intolerance. She expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to stronger cooperation to safeguard religious freedom everywhere.

In a message to her fans, she said, “Barbs, I know you’re listening. I love you so very much. You’ve been a light in my life for so long.”

She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to speaking out against religious persecution: “This is not about taking sides. It’s about standing up to injustice. For the rest of my life, I will care if anyone, anywhere is being persecuted for their beliefs.”