Shettima Seeks Global Collaboration to Tackle Illegal Migration, Climate Change
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for strengthened international cooperation to address the challenges of illegal migration and climate change, describing both issues as interlinked global threats that require urgent, coordinated action.
Speaking at high-level engagements with global leaders and development partners, Shettima emphasized the need for shared responsibility and strategic partnerships to tackle the root causes of irregular migration.
He noted that environmental degradation, particularly as a result of climate change, has led to increasing displacement and insecurity, contributing significantly to the flow of migrants seeking better conditions abroad.
According to Shettima, Nigeria, like many African countries, is facing the dual burden of being both a source and transit country for irregular migration, a situation worsened by diminishing arable land, flooding, and desertification.
He urged countries in the Global North to support vulnerable nations in building climate resilience rather than implementing punitive migration policies that fail to address the underlying drivers.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing, border management, and the dismantling of human trafficking networks as key areas where international collaboration is urgently needed.
He added that migration should not be viewed in isolation but as a consequence of deeper socio-economic and environmental crises that must be resolved at their source.
On climate change, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global climate agreements and regional sustainability initiatives such as the Great Green Wall.
He called on development partners to scale up funding, support technology transfer, and assist in implementing climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation projects.
Shettima, who spoke at a climate forum in Lagos, also stressed the role of science, innovation, and youth empowerment in driving sustainable solutions.
He pointed to Nigerian innovations in biotechnology, green energy, and agriculture as proof of the country’s potential to develop homegrown responses to climate and migration challenges, provided the international community offers meaningful support.
He further emphasized the significance of integrating local knowledge, culture, and creativity into climate advocacy to raise awareness and mobilize communities.
Shettima stated that investment in youth and research is essential for building long-term resilience and reducing the pressure that forces people to migrate.
Calling for a shift from aid dependency to equitable partnerships, the Vice President urged global actors to collaborate with countries like Nigeria based on mutual respect and shared goals.
He warned that failure to act decisively on climate change and migration would lead to growing instability and humanitarian crises across the globe.
Shettima concluded by declaring Nigeria’s readiness to engage with all willing partners in a collaborative effort to tackle these pressing issues, adding that the time for action is now.
