Disputing God's Ecological Order: A Theological Reflection on Flooding and Urban Pollution in Light of Wisdom of Solomon 11:20–21 in Lagos

Nigeria’s urban centers, particularly Lagos, face severe ecological threats from recurrent flooding and extreme pollution, with annual rainfall exceeding 2,100 mm in some years and (Particulate Matter) PM2.5 levels reaching 68 (Microgram per cubic meter) μg/m3—far above WHO limits—resulting in thousands of displacements and over 11,000 premature deaths. Different measures of public health initiatives have been taken to resolve these issues. While theological frameworks have been used to advance ecological position in current religious scholarship, the ecological potential of Wisdom of Solomon 11:20–21, which depicts God as ordering creation “in measure, number, and weight,” remains underexplored in recent reflections. This study addresses this gap by critically engaging the text as a theological lens for understanding and responding to ecological disruption in Lagos. The study examines the theological significance of divine ecological order and apply it to contemporary challenges of flooding and pollution. Methodologically, the research combines close textual analysis of Wisdom 11:20–21 with contextual engagement of empirical environmental data, integrating insights from eco- theology and environmental ethics. The scope focuses on Lagos as a case study, while findings reveal that human mismanagement, waste disposal failures, and uncontrolled urbanization are primary disruptors of ecological balance. The study concludes that theological ethics rooted in biblical wisdom can guide sustainable urban environmental policies. Recommendations include faith-based advocacy, integration of creation care into theological education, and collaborative policy initiatives between religious institutions and government bodies.