American superstar rapper Nicki Minaj has used her global platform to highlight what she described as systematic persecution of Christians in Nigeria during a United Nations event in New York.
UN Address on Religious Freedom Crisis
The celebrity, whose real name is Onika Maraj-Petty, spoke at a forum organized by US Ambassador Mike Waltz on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. During her emotional address, Minaj condemned the frequent attacks on religious communities in Nigeria, stating that the violence had reached alarming levels that demand immediate international attention.
Minaj revealed that her invitation to speak at the prestigious international forum came after her previous comments on social media platform X caught the attention of American diplomats. She has been increasingly vocal about the situation in Nigeria in recent months, using her substantial online presence to raise awareness.
Minaj's Powerful Statements at the UN
In her prepared remarks, the music icon expressed gratitude to former US President Donald Trump for prioritizing the issue of religious persecution. She specifically commended Trump's leadership in calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria and combat extremism in the region.
"In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed," Minaj stated during her address. "Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray."
The rapper emphasized that her position was not meant to be political or divisive. "I want to be clear, protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity," she explained, drawing from her experience in music that taught her the value of cultural and religious togetherness.
Nigerian Reactions to Minaj's Speech
The response from Nigerians on social media has been mixed but passionate. While some celebrated her advocacy, others questioned her motivations and understanding of the complex situation.
Instagram user chioma___official expressed support, commenting: "This is why we love Onika Tanya Maraj Petty❤." Similarly, ifeoma3099 stated: "That's why we love Nicki."
However, user chelly_bebe raised doubts about Minaj's intentions: "What is she really speaking on? Or does she want a pardon for her brother? You lot thinks she care about Nigeria that much, jokers?"
Another user, _mz.orafere_, criticized Nigerian celebrities for their silence: "E reach our celebrities turn wey fit lend voice, them talk say make we use our own small platform and forget them because say Detty December dey come... insecurity dey everywhere."
Several commenters highlighted Minaj's Nigerian heritage and connection to the country. ammy_babyna noted: "Her Nigerian name is Nneka, meaning (mother love is the greatest)."
Political Context and International Response
Minaj's comments come amid growing international concern about religious freedom in Nigeria. The situation gained additional attention when former President Trump recently designated Nigeria as a potential addition to the list of Countries of Particular Concern regarding religious persecution.
Trump had previously warned that if attacks on Christians in Nigeria continue, the United States would consider cutting off all aid and support to the country, with potential military intervention remaining a possibility.
The rapper concluded her UN remarks with a powerful statement of principle: "I want to make it clear once again, this isn't about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice. It's about what I've always stood for my entire career, and I will continue to stand for that for the rest of my life."
Minaj's involvement in international human rights issues marks a significant expansion of her public advocacy beyond the entertainment industry, positioning her as an unexpected but influential voice in global religious freedom discussions.
