The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) partner to tackle climate change-related human trafficking. NiMet will provide NAPTIP with vital climate data to help anticipate conditions that increase vulnerability to trafficking. Extreme weather events such as floods and droughts often lead to displacement, making people more susceptible to traffickers. During a meeting, Prof. Charles Anosike, NiMet’s Director General, emphasized the importance of early warnings in protecting vulnerable populations.
Moreover, this collaboration allows NAPTIP to develop better strategies by understanding the connection between climate change and human trafficking. With NiMet’s climate data, NAPTIP can better equip its personnel and stakeholders to recognize trafficking risks among displaced populations. According to Anosike, “There’s a clear nexus between climate change and human trafficking, and this partnership with NAPTIP will help mitigate these impacts.”
The NAPTIP Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, reaffirmed her agency’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking in Nigeria. She noted the urgency of stepping up advocacy efforts across the country, particularly in areas most vulnerable to climate change. The flooding in the Northeast, for instance, is expected to spread to the Southwest and Southeast, increasing the risk of displacement and exploitation.
This partnership provides a platform for NiMet and NAPTIP to work together, informing policymakers about the climate change-human trafficking nexus. Additionally, NiMet could assist NAPTIP in developing economic opportunities for climate-impacted communities, reducing the likelihood of trafficking. Quick intervention after climate-related disasters will safeguard vulnerable populations from traffickers who exploit such situations.
Joint advocacy from both agencies will also push for policies that address climate change-related human trafficking at the national level. Incorporating trafficking prevention into climate adaptation strategies is essential for a comprehensive response to these challenges.
