Residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, are sounding the alarm over the soaring costs of canoe rides, claiming operators are exploiting the situation.
After last week’s floods, canoe owners initially helped transport residents to safety, but many now charge exorbitant fees for moving belongings.
With vehicles unable to navigate large parts of the city, residents have become increasingly reliant on canoes. Falmata Muhammed, a 48-year-old mother of three, expressed her frustration after being quoted N80,000 for a short trip to move furniture—an amount exceeding the monthly minimum wage.
She lamented that some are profiting from the disaster, stating, “It’s upsetting to see people turning this tragedy into a business.”
Canoe owner and fisherman Mohammed Yusuf noted he still assists residents for free, though some insist on offering payment for his services.
In response to the crisis, Governor Babagana Zulum convened an emergency meeting with United Nations humanitarian workers and other development partners to coordinate efforts in addressing the flood’s impact, which has affected about 70 percent of Maiduguri.
He also cautioned against the indiscriminate establishment of Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps, particularly in closed public schools, without state government approval.
Humanitarian Coordinator Esty Sutyoke emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, “Now that we have succeeded in the rescue mission, we must work together to avoid duplicating efforts in the affected communities as the water recedes.”
Among others, the governor said: “We need UN assistance in rebuilding the destroyed houses, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructures. We want to use this opportunity to thank UN, all stakeholders and individuals that have been assisted us in one way or the other in this trying moment.”
(Vanguard)
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