Standing alongside U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, the 42-year-old rapper described the situation as an issue of human rights, emphasizing that protecting persecuted communities was “about uniting humanity” rather than dividing it. She also thanked Trump for prioritizing the issue and commended him for his leadership.
Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, has a significant following in Nigeria, where she acknowledged her fanbase, the “Barbz,” as part of her motivation to speak out. She told supporters that her platform carries a responsibility to confront injustice, describing Nigeria as a nation with “deep faith traditions” and highlighting its cultural richness.
Her comments come amid longstanding disputes over claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, which the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected as a “gross misrepresentation of reality.” Officials acknowledge that the country faces deadly violence but stress that attacks are not limited to Christians—Jihadist and extremist groups target Muslims, Christians, and others indiscriminately. Analysts also note that some of the data cited by campaigners in Washington is difficult to verify and that many deadly incidents stem from resource disputes or inter-ethnic tensions rather than religion.
The debate coincides with a recent attack in Eruku, Kwara State, where gunmen stormed a church during an evening program, killing two worshipers and abducting several others. Local authorities identified the assailants as bandits. Video footage from the scene circulated widely online, showing terrified congregants attempting to escape.
Minaj’s intervention marks her most high-profile political engagement to date. The rapper has previously courted controversy for sharing misinformation on social media, including claims about COVID-19 vaccines, and has maintained a public feud with fellow rapper Cardi B. Her appearance at the UN underscores her growing influence in global conversations, particularly on humanitarian and human rights issues.