Canoe paddlers in Maiduguri, Borno State, are reaping profits from rising water levels that have displaced residents and cut off communities within the metropolis.
A visit to some waterways on Saturday revealed that fares for crossing by canoe range from ₦30 to ₦200, depending on the location and time of day. The affected areas include Moduganari, Fori, Polo, and Bulumkutu.
One paddler, Abdullahi Muhammad, who operates between Moduganari and Damboa Road, said while the flood poses hardships for residents, it has opened up new economic 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, adding that they make between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000 daily on weekdays, though weekend earnings are usually lower.
Another paddler in Bulumkutu, Shaibu Garba, explained that their services not only help residents cross to other communities but also assist flood victims in moving their belongings. “We are doing an exchange, and at the end of the day, all of us will go home with something. Some of us are married, so what we get here will not only serve ourselves but also our families,” he said.
Passengers also acknowledged the usefulness of the service. Hauwa Saidu said the fares were affordable compared to alternatives. “If I choose not to use this canoe, it simply means I will go and spend five times what I would pay, and my time will be wasted. So, for me, the price is good,” she said.
However, others complained of inconsistent pricing. Usman Salisu, a resident of Moduganari, noted that passengers sometimes pay more at night. “Two days ago, my brother paid ₦200 around 9 pm just to cross a road that takes less than three minutes,” he said.
The makeshift canoe business has become a lifeline for residents navigating Maiduguri’s divided neighborhoods, though concerns linger over pricing and safety.
