Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy national chairman Bode George says persistent flooding in Lagos is driven by indiscriminate sand-filling and land reclamation along the Lagos Lagoon. In interviews reported by outlets, he argues that areas such as Ikoyi and Lekki were originally surrounded by water, but extensive reclamation has changed the lagoon’s natural contours. George warns that the lagoon has been sand-filled to a level that affects its ability to absorb stormwater. He cites observations around landmarks such as the IBB Bridge, saying the lagoon’s water level can become higher than the adjacent road. According to George, this effectively reverses expected drainage patterns—rather than rainfall flowing into the lagoon, the narrowing of water access and reduction of lagoon capacity increase the likelihood of water accumulating on roads. He also contends that in the absence of mechanical pumping systems, floodwater remains trapped and spreads across parts of the city during heavy rains, including areas near the Obalende Canal.