Nigeria has raised strong concerns over the United States’ decision to bar its officials from participating in an event hosted at the United Nations headquarters in New York, centred on allegations of targeted killings against Nigerians of a particular faith group.
The Chargé d’Affaires of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Mr. Syndoph Endoni, criticised the move, describing it as an attempt to “shave our head in our absence,” arguing that Nigeria should have been present to address the claims directly.
The event — organised in collaboration with the U.S. Mission to the UN and featuring American rapper Nicki Minaj — was reportedly convened against the backdrop of ongoing accusations from Washington that Christians in Nigeria are facing widespread persecution.
The recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged Christian genocide has further heightened tensions between both nations.
However, Endoni firmly rejected these allegations, insisting that Nigeria has consistently dismissed claims of state-enabled persecution.
He stressed that it was inappropriate to discuss such sensitive issues without the presence of the country involved.
According to him, “You should not make decisions or take actions on matters involving a nation without its knowledge, participation, or consent.”
The Nigerian envoy expressed disappointment that only a select few countries were invited, questioning why Nigeria — the subject of the allegations — was excluded.
“We asked the U.S. authorities whether it is acceptable to continue shaving someone’s hair in his absence,” he said. He added that Nigeria is actively addressing criminal attacks within its borders and does not stand by idly.
Endoni also urged the U.S. to adopt a more inclusive approach to avoid heightening tensions around the sensitive issue of alleged Christian persecution.
The U.S. Senior Adviser for African Affairs, Amb. Patricia Mahoney, had visited Nigeria’s Mission in New York a day earlier to notify Endoni about the meeting. She noted that although a pastor from Nigeria was invited, no Nigerian government representative was included because the event’s participants requested that officials be excluded for fear of potential reprisals.
While acknowledging this explanation, the Nigerian envoy warned that actions such as naming and shaming could create unnecessary apprehension in the country.
He emphasized that Nigeria will continue to engage with the U.S. to address violent attacks by extremist groups and strengthen cooperation to safeguard lives and property.
