Canoe and boat transport has become a growing source of income for young men operating around Ose-Ekwodu Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, as they turn to water transport to make a living.
Young Men Turn to Canoe Business
The canoe park at the waterfront of Ose-Ekwodu Market, located along the River Niger, remains active as paddlers and loaders serve travellers and traders.
Many of the young men involved in the business said they chose the work willingly despite the dangers associated with water transportation.
They also argued that travelling by water can be cheaper and faster than using the road.
Canoe Travel Costs Less
One paddler, 20-year-old Friday Idakwo, said passengers travelling between Onitsha and Kogi State pay about ₦4,000 by canoe.
By comparison, he said road transport on the same route can cost as much as ₦15,000.
“We charge about N4,000 per passenger traveling from Onitsha in Anambra State to Kogi State and vice versa, but road transporters charge as high as N15,000 for the same journey by road,” Idakwo said.
He also said water transport avoids some of the delays and security challenges associated with road travel.
Traders Form Major Customer Base
Idakwo said interstate traders make up a significant part of their customer base.
Passengers transport food products such as yam, cocoyam, garri and fish from rural communities in Kogi, Benue, Delta and Anambra to Onitsha.
After selling their goods, traders purchase items including drinks, clothing and provisions to take back to their communities.
Paddlers Urge Passengers to Use Life Jackets
The canoe operators acknowledged the risks involved in water transportation but stressed the importance of safety precautions.
Idakwo said he regularly advises passengers to wear life jackets.
“I always advise my passengers to put on their life jackets when we are on the water,” he said.
He explained that life jackets can keep passengers afloat until rescuers arrive in the event of an accident.
