Emmanuel Oludare
In a significant move to combat the growing link between climate change and human trafficking in Nigeria, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has partnered with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
PLATFORM TIMES reports that this alliance seeks to scale up awareness and address the vulnerabilities faced by displaced populations across the country, particularly those affected by climate-induced disasters such as floods.
A statement by Communication Officer, NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, read that the collaboration, announced following a high-level meeting in Abuja between NiMET Director General, Professor Charles Anosike, and NAPTIP Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, comes at a time when severe flooding, driven by climate change, has displaced thousands of Nigerians, many of whom have fallen victim to traffickers or been forced into irregular migration.
Adekoye added that Bello stressed the urgency of the situation, stressing that Nigeria’s battle against human trafficking is a national priority.
“Human trafficking has become a national concern, with victims emerging from all states. My target as Director General is to eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria, in line with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.
Bello called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to address the growing risk of human trafficking, particularly in communities most affected by climate change.
She highlighted the need for intensified advocacy efforts across the country to reduce vulnerabilities and provide safer options for displaced individuals.
NiMET’s Director General, Prof. Anosike, highlighted the undeniable link between climate disasters and forced migration, which creates fertile ground for human traffickers.
“Extreme weather events displace people, driving them into poverty and making them more vulnerable to trafficking.
“This partnership with NAPTIP is crucial to ensuring early warnings, preparedness, and response mechanisms to protect vulnerable groups,” Anosike stated.
He further explained that as climate change worsens, the resulting displacement will not only affect the northeastern region but is likely to spread to the southwest and southeast.
“We cannot stop the extreme weather events, but we can reduce their impact through strategic partnerships and preparedness.
“ Strengthening our relationship with NAPTIP will allow us to better advise policymakers and protect those most at risk,” Anosike added.
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