The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to raise awareness on climate change and reduce the risks of human trafficking linked to environmental disasters.
At the MoU signing, NiMet’s director-general, Prof. Charles Anosike emphasised the agency’s readiness to provide timely early warnings to help vulnerable communities prepare for climate-related disasters.
“It is unfortunate that the link between climate change and increased vulnerability to human trafficking is still under-recognised. Through this partnership, we aim to ensure timely dissemination of weather and climate information to those at risk,” Anosike said.
NAPTIP’s director-general, Binta Bello, described the collaboration as a strategic move to reduce climate-induced displacement, which often exposes people to trafficking risks.
“We must raise nationwide awareness to reduce distress migration triggered by climate disasters like floods,” Bello said.
According to the agreement, NiMet will provide climate advisories, early warnings on extreme weather events, and vulnerability assessments. It will also offer expert interpretation of meteorological data to support NAPTIP’s planning and anti-trafficking strategies.
Additionally, NiMet will supply climate risk assessments to identify high-risk areas where displacement could lead to trafficking, and produce vulnerability maps to aid NAPTIP in integrating climate data into its operations.
The partnership marks a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s response to the intersection of climate change and human trafficking.
