Gov. Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lagos–California Sister-State Milestone in Sacramento

Lagos State has taken a significant step towards deepening its global partnerships with the formal establishment of a sister-state relationship with California, United States.

The milestone was celebrated in Sacramento by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, alongside leaders of the State of California, members of the California State Legislature and members of the Nigerian community.

The relationship provides a new framework for Lagos and California to strengthen cooperation and exchange across areas of shared interest, building on the longstanding people-to-people connections between the two jurisdictions. California’s Assembly Concurrent Resolution 129, which established the formal sister-state relationship with Lagos State, was enacted on June 10, 2026.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the development as a reflection of the strong connections that already exist between Lagosians, Nigerians and the people of California.

“Lagos and California have much in common. We are both centres of business, technology, entertainment, creativity, innovation and we share a strong connection to the coast. There is much we can learn from each other and even more we can build together.”

A Partnership Built Around People

At the heart of the new relationship is the Nigerian diaspora.

For decades, Nigerians have contributed to California’s economy, professional landscape, creative industries and communities, while maintaining strong personal, cultural and economic connections with Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu particularly acknowledged the achievements of Nigerians who continue to make an impact in California, including California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin and former NBA champion Festus Ezeli. Their stories represent the broader contribution of Nigerians and Lagosians in the diaspora and reinforce an important principle: diaspora relationships are ultimately about people.

For Lagos, the sister-state relationship therefore goes beyond government-to-government engagement. It creates an opportunity to strengthen the bridge between Lagosians at home and in the diaspora while connecting talent, expertise, enterprise and ideas across continents.

From Shared Connections to Shared Opportunities

The formal relationship also creates a platform for Lagos and California to explore practical areas of cooperation.

During deliberations on the sister-state resolution, California lawmakers highlighted opportunities for collaboration in areas including trade, education, transportation, climate resilience, arts and entertainment, innovation and youth opportunities.

These areas align with many of the strengths for which both Lagos and California are recognised.

From technology and entrepreneurship to entertainment, creative industries, transportation, maritime activity and investment, both regions have dynamic ecosystems capable of learning from one another and developing new partnerships.

The opportunity is particularly significant for the Lagos diaspora, whose networks, expertise and investments can help transform institutional relationships into tangible outcomes.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to California Assembly members Matt Haney and Isaac Bryan, who championed the resolution, as well as Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and others who contributed to making the milestone possible.

The California State Legislature’s official sister-state listing now recognises Lagos State as one of California’s sister-state relationships, established in 2026.

The resolution also reflects the growing recognition of Lagos as an important centre of economic, cultural and technological activity and as a natural partner for international subnational collaboration.

A Stronger Bridge Between Lagos and California

For the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs (LASDA), the development presents an important opportunity to deepen engagement with Lagosians and Nigerian communities in California and to facilitate stronger connections between the diaspora and Lagos.

The next phase will focus on translating the relationship into meaningful engagement - connecting institutions, businesses, professionals, innovators, creatives, investors, young people and diaspora organisations. Practical next steps will include facilitating knowledge exchange, investment linkages, professional and creative collaborations, and structured opportunities for California-based Lagosians to contribute to and benefit from the partnership.

As Governor Sanwo-Olu stated:“We look forward to turning this new relationship into real opportunities for our people and building an even stronger bridge between Lagos and California.”

The California–Lagos relationship is therefore not simply a new diplomatic milestone. It is an invitation to build on the connections that already exist and create new pathways for knowledge exchange, investment, innovation, enterprise, culture and people-to-people partnerships.

For Lagosians in California and across the diaspora, the message is clear: the bridge is getting stronger, and Lagos is ready to build across it.

Lagosians and members of the Nigerian community in California (and worldwide) are invited to register in the Lagos Diaspora Network, stay informed of opportunities arising from this partnership, and connect with LASDA for collaboration, investment guidance and community engagement. Visit LagosDiaspora.ng or contact the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs for more information.