The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have entered a strategic partnership. Both organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 14, 2025, to jointly promote climate change awareness and reduce the vulnerability of communities prone to human trafficking.
Director General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, said the partnership aligns with NiMet’s mission to use weather and climate data for humanitarian purposes.
“It is unfortunate that increased vulnerability to human trafficking as a result of the effects of climate change is still not sufficiently acknowledged. However, this partnership with NAPTIP is part of our collaborative efforts to disseminate weather and climate information to vulnerable communities to enable adequate preparedness for climate extremes,” Professor Anosike stated.
He explained that NiMet would provide vital early warnings, enabling communities to prepare for climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves. According to him, accurate and timely climate information is an essential tool for risk reduction in displacement-prone areas.
Director General of NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello, described the agreement as a timely intervention to tackle the complex links between climate change and human trafficking. She said the collaboration would allow NAPTIP to identify and respond to communities most at risk.
“It is very critical that we create awareness across the country so that we can reduce distress migration arising from climate disasters such as floods,” she said.
Through the MoU, NiMet will supply weather-related data and climate advisories, including early warnings of extreme weather events. The agency will also offer seasonal climate outlooks and provide interpretation of meteorological data that NAPTIP can use for planning and intervention.
Furthermore, NiMet will conduct climate risk assessments and help pinpoint high-risk zones where environmental conditions might lead to forced migration or trafficking. The agreement also includes the development of a climate vulnerability map that NAPTIP can incorporate into its national anti-trafficking strategies.
This partnership is seen as a model for inter-agency collaboration addressing the intersection of environmental and human security. Both organisations have agreed to organise joint campaigns, seminars, and capacity-building activities to enhance understanding of how environmental pressures contribute to trafficking risks.
Professor Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s willingness to work with stakeholders in addressing the socio-economic effects of climate change. He said targeted weather communication will ensure that communities at risk of exploitation are adequately informed and prepared.
By promoting climate change awareness, NiMet and NAPTIP are addressing one of the root causes of human trafficking. This forward-thinking approach seeks to empower communities and reduce displacement by building resilience in the face of climate shocks.
The agencies believe that their efforts will serve as a catalyst for other institutions to recognise the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Ultimately, they aim to build a safer and more informed society where vulnerable populations can withstand environmental and social threats.
