Canoe paddlers in Maiduguri, Borno State, are making significant daily profits as rising water levels continue to displace residents and cut off communities across the metropolis.
A visit by our correspondent on Saturday revealed that canoe fares within the town range between ₦30, ₦50, ₦100, and ₦200, depending on location and time of the day. Key areas affected include Moduganari, Fori, Polo, and Bulumkutu, among others.
One of the paddlers, Abdullahi Muhammad, who operates between Moduganari and Damboa Road, said the floods, though disruptive, have provided job opportunities for unemployed youths.
“We are not happy that the flood is hindering people from moving freely; however, it is an opportunity we are just taking advantage of to better our lives,” he said.
According to Muhammad, paddlers earn between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000 daily on weekdays, though weekend earnings are usually lower.
In Bulumkutu, another paddler, Shaibu Garba, explained that beyond ferrying passengers, they assist displaced residents in moving their belongings.
“We operate in groups, exchanging paddles and sharing the money at the end of the day. Some of us are married, so the earnings support our families too,” he noted.
Mixed Reactions from Passengers
While many commuters welcomed the service, others expressed concern over pricing and safety.
Hauwa Saidu, a passenger, said canoe transport was cheaper and faster than alternatives.
“If I choose not to use this canoe, I will spend five times more and waste time. For me, the price is good,” she said.
However, Usman Salisu, another resident of Moduganari, complained of inconsistent pricing.
“Two days ago, my brother paid ₦200 around 9 pm just to cross a road. The canoe did not even spend three minutes on water,” he lamented.
Safety concerns were also raised. Mustapha Suleiman, a commuter, warned that the lack of life jackets posed risks, especially for schoolchildren.
“When schools resume, children will be using these canoes. If one capsizes, it could be a disaster because many cannot swim,” he cautioned.
Government Response
A private school teacher, simply identified as Blessing, expressed fears that the water levels might continue to rise as schools reopen.
“This is exactly what we witnessed last year before the flood suddenly intensified,” she said.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum has called for calm, urging residents to stop dumping refuse in drainage systems. During an inspection of the ongoing reconstruction at Alau Dam, he assured that there was no imminent threat of devastating flooding.
“Based on engineering assessments, there is no cause for alarm. However, we shall continue to monitor the situation closely,” Zulum stated.
