Bode George attributes Lagos flooding to extensive lagoon sand-filling

In an interview, George explained that large areas of Ikoyi and Lekki were originally surrounded by water before extensive land reclamation projects altered the natural landscape. He noted that the environmental consequences of these projects are now evident. George recalled that Lekki villages existed before the sand-filling connected parts of the area to Ikoyi, which was previously all water.

He warned that excessive land reclamation has significantly reduced the lagoon’s capacity to receive stormwater, exacerbating flooding across the state. He observed that the lagoon's level is now higher than the IBB Bridge and surrounding roads, reversing the natural drainage pattern. This makes it difficult for rainwater to flow into the lagoon, leading to water accumulation on roads unless mechanical pumping systems are used.

He cited the Obalende Canal during the rainy season as an example of widespread flooding.