Nigeria has raised concerns over its exclusion from a United States supported event featuring U S rapper Nicki Minaj at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The Chargé d’Affaires of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, described the move as “shaving our head in our absence”, stressing that the discussion centred on alleged killings of Nigerians from a specific faith group.
The event was organised amid ongoing U S accusations claiming Christian persecution in Nigeria. U S President Donald Trump had earlier designated Nigeria as “a Country of Particular Concern”, alleging genocide against Christians. The Nigerian envoy, however, rejected these claims, maintaining that Nigerian authorities have consistently dismissed such allegations.
Endoni insisted that Nigeria should have been present at the discussion, given that the allegations directly concerned the country. According to him, no decisions should be taken on issues involving a nation without its knowledge or participation. He added that excluding Nigeria denied it the opportunity to “tell its own side of the story”.
The envoy expressed disappointment that while a few countries were invited, Nigeria was shut out without explanation. He noted that officials questioned U S authorities on why they considered it acceptable “to shave someone’s hair in his absence”, adding that the Nigerian government is not ignoring the criminal activities causing insecurity in the country.
He also emphasised that Nigeria and the U S can only effectively address insecurity if they work together through open and inclusive dialogue. Endoni urged the U S to avoid actions that could escalate tensions, particularly over sensitive claims of religious persecution.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, U S Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Patricia Mahoney, had earlier visited the Nigeria House in New York to brief the Nigerian Mission about the event. She stated that the gathering was private and that participants had specifically requested that no Nigerian officials be allowed, citing fears of possible retribution. Despite this, Endoni said Nigeria would continue engaging the U S to jointly address extremist violence and protect citizens.
