NAPTIP Partners NiMET To Scale Up Awareness On Human Trafficking
By Ngozi Nwankwo
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), have concluded plans to join forces towards addressing human trafficking and the effects of climate change on targeted Communities and States across the country.
This was part of the decisions reached at the meeting between the Director General of NiMET, Professor Charles Anosike and the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello.
Several persons have been displaced by the ravaging floods occasioned by climate change across the country, most of whom have become victims of human trafficking and irregular migration causing them to face different forms of abuse.
In her remarks during the meeting, the Director General of NAPTIP, said her mission is to eradicate all forms of human trafficking in the country through effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders particularly sister Agencies of Government.
She said; “I am worried because the issues of human trafficking have become a national concern bearing in mind the huge numbers of victims from all States within the country.
“We must collaborate and find a lasting solution to the menace. This is why it is important to increase partnership and step up advocacy to all parts of the Country to reduce their vulnerability,” she said.
Speaking in turn, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the NiMet, and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Prof. Charles Anosike noted that Climate change affects every aspect of our lives.
According to Anosike; “We are seeing the increasing effect of extreme weather events and the impact of climate change. When climate disaster strikes, it dislocates people and throws them into poverty.
“People are made to migrate. Forced migration increases the rate of vulnerability and exposure to the risk of human trafficking. We must invest in preparedness to ensure everyone is protected by early warnings of climate disasters. It is important to prepare our people for preparedness and adequate response.
“There is a nexus between climate change and human trafficking. That is why we need to establish this partnership with NAPTIP. We cannot stop the extreme weather events, but we can reduce the impact.
“Partnering with NAPTIP will give us the platform to reach the vulnerable ones, our young ones, women, and the elderly who are mostly affected. If we can strengthen our relationship with NAPTIP, we’ll be able to advise policymakers accordingly.
“The flooding we are experiencing in the Northeast will come down to the Southwest and the Southeast. We will partner and reduce the impact and ensure that the government at all levels adequately responds to reduce the impact of extreme weather events.” He said.
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