The event, reportedly linked to U.S. rapper Nicki Minaj and held in collaboration with the U.S. Permanent Mission to the UN, was intended to highlight ongoing accusations of Christian persecution in Nigeria. The U.S. had recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged attacks against Christians.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr. Syndoph Endoni, Chargé d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, described the exclusion as tantamount to “shaving our head in our absence.” He emphasized that Nigeria should have been included in discussions affecting the country to ensure it had the opportunity to present its side of the story.
“It is important to ensure the country concerned is present, aware, and has a voice in the matter,” Endoni said, adding that unilateral decisions risk misrepresentation and unnecessary escalation.
The Nigerian envoy expressed disappointment that only a few countries were allowed to participate and questioned the rationale behind shutting Nigeria out, stressing that the issue of insecurity and extremist attacks in Nigeria requires collaborative solutions between both countries.
Endoni noted that the U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Amb. Patricia Mahoney, had briefed Nigeria on the event the previous day, clarifying that no Nigerian government representatives were invited, though a Nigerian pastor was present. According to Endoni, the U.S. cited concerns for the safety of participants as the reason for denying official Nigerian attendance.
While criticizing the “naming and shaming” approach, Endoni reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to engaging the U.S. on security challenges and collaborating to protect lives and property within the country.