Crystal Dike
Nigeria has expressed concerns over the decision of the United States to exclude it from participating in a UN event hosted by US rapper Nicki Minaj on November 18, 2025, which focused on alleged killings of Nigerians of a specific faith group.
The event, held at the UN headquarters in New York in collaboration with the US Permanent Mission to the UN, addressed accusations of Christian persecution in Nigeria. This follows US President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Mr. Syndoph Endoni, described the exclusion as “shaving our head in our absence” and called it a denial of Nigeria’s right to present its perspective.
“It is important to ensure the country concerned in the ongoing allegations of genocide is present, aware, and has a voice in the matter,” Endoni said, rejecting the US claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria. He added that inclusive engagement is essential to avoid unnecessary escalation.
Endoni expressed disappointment that only a few countries were allowed to participate and questioned the rationale for shutting out Nigeria. “We asked the US authorities if it was okay to continue to shave someone’s hair in his absence,” he said.
The Nigerian envoy stressed that both countries could effectively address Nigeria’s insecurity challenges only through collaboration and mutual engagement.
According to reports, the US Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Ambassador Patricia Mahoney, informed the Nigerian mission on November 18 that three UN member countries and other personalities, including a Nigerian pastor, were invited. However, no representative of the Nigerian government was included, as the event was considered private.
Endoni said the exclusion, reportedly to protect participants from potential retribution, could still create apprehension in Nigeria. He affirmed that Nigeria would continue to engage the US on the killings by extremists and collaborate to protect lives and property.