Nigeria has criticised the United States for its exclusion from a high-profile event held at the UN headquarters in New York on alleged killings of Nigerians belonging to a particular faith group.
The Chargé d’affairs of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Syndoph Endoni said the decision to sideline Nigeria from the discussion—co-hosted by U.S. rapper Nicki Minaj and the U.S. Mission to the UN—amounted to “shaving our head in our absence.”
The event focused on ongoing claims by the U.S. that Christians in Nigeria face systematic persecution, a position amplified in recent months after U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide.
Nigeria has firmly rejected the accusation, insisting that criminal attacks across the country target various communities rather than one religious group. Endoni restated this position, stressing that Nigeria deserved a seat at any forum where such serious allegations are discussed.
“It is important to ensure that the country mentioned in allegations of genocide against Christians is present, aware and has a voice in the matter,” he said. “You should not make important decisions or take action on something that involves a country without their presence or consent.”
Endoni said the exclusion denied Nigeria the opportunity to present its own account of the security challenges and efforts to combat extremist violence.
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He expressed dissatisfaction that a small number of countries were invited while Nigeria was shut out, questioning the basis for excluding the nation that was the subject of the discussion.
“We asked the U.S. authorities if it was okay to continue to shave someone’s hair in his absence,” he said. “We further stressed that the Nigerian government is not standing idly by while criminals perpetrate atrocities.”
Endoni emphasised that Nigeria and the U.S. could address insecurity more effectively by working together, urging Washington to adopt inclusive engagement strategies to prevent unnecessary tensions arising from claims of religious persecution.
The U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Patricia Mahoney, had visited Nigeria’s Mission in New York a day earlier to brief Endoni on the Minaj-led event. She informed him that only three UN member states were invited, alongside other personalities, including a Nigerian pastor. She added that no Nigerian government representative was included because the event was classified as private.
NAN reports that the exclusion was tied to concerns raised by some participants who requested that Nigerian officials be barred due to fears of potential retribution against them and their families.
Endoni said Nigeria would continue engaging with U.S. authorities on extremist killings and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.
NAN
