U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz has praised rapper Nicki Minaj for using her fame to draw attention to the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria. The two are set to speak this week on the issue, highlighting the growing concern over the persecution and killings happening there.
Waltz called Minaj not only one of the greatest female artists but also someone who won’t stay quiet when faced with injustice. He thanked her for using her large audience to shine a light on the suffering of Nigerian Christians and said he looks forward to working with her to share what steps the U.S. government is taking to help.
Minaj expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to get involved, saying it means a great deal to her. She also praised former President Donald Trump for labeling Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to the mass killings of Christians by radical Islamist groups. In response to Trump’s move, Minaj shared her feelings on social media, emphasizing the importance of freedom to worship and respect for people’s beliefs.
After her public appreciation of the Trump administration’s stance, Waltz invited Minaj to discuss the U.S. efforts to protect religious freedoms worldwide. She accepted the invitation, saying she would be honored to speak with the ambassador.
Meanwhile, Nigerian officials have pushed back against claims that Christians are being targeted. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar denied that any genocide or religious persecution is taking place. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also called these accusations “a lie from the pit of hell,” rejecting suggestions of religious intolerance.
However, some Nigerian voices tell a different story. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu acknowledged that Trump’s description of violence against Christians is accurate. Kalu added that the attacks affect both Christians and Muslims and urged stronger action against jihadist groups threatening the country.
Reports also suggest that the Nigerian government has pressured Christian groups and controlled media coverage about attacks by Islamic militants. There have been incidents where Christian protesters were met with force.
The situation remains tense as international attention grows. With voices like Nicki Minaj and Ambassador Waltz speaking out, the issue of religious violence in Nigeria is gaining a wider audience, forcing a difficult conversation about safety, faith, and justice in the region.
