Lagos, California become sister states

Lagos becomes California’s sister state as both regions open new doors for business, technology and culture

By Emmanuel Daniji

For a young Lagos entrepreneur looking to take a technology business beyond Nigeria, a filmmaker hoping to reach a bigger global audience or a fashion designer searching for new markets, the new relationship between Lagos and California could eventually mean more doors opening across the Atlantic.

Lagos State and California have formally established a sister-state relationship, creating a framework for cooperation between two regions known for their large economies, young populations, technology sectors, entertainment industries and international connections.

The relationship was formally commemorated in Sacramento, California, where Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and California Assemblymember Matt Haney signed the agreement at the historic Leland Stanford Mansion.

The partnership is based on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 129, authored by Haney and approved by the California Legislature. The resolution was formally chaptered on June 10, 2026, and establishes the sister-state relationship between California and Lagos State.

It identifies several areas where both regions can explore cooperation, including technology and digital innovation, creative and cultural industries, climate and environmental issues, education and research, trade, infrastructure and urban development, health and biotechnology, entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture.

For Lagos, the potential significance goes beyond government-to-government meetings.

The partnership could create opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, technology companies, artists, students, researchers and other young professionals to build relationships with counterparts in California.

California is home to Silicon Valley and Hollywood, while Lagos has built a reputation around its growing technology ecosystem, Nollywood and the global influence of Afrobeats.

Sanwo-Olu used these similarities to explain why he believes the relationship is based on mutual opportunities rather than one region helping another.

“California has Hollywood; Lagos has Nollywood. California has Silicon Valley; Lagos has Yaba. California has the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; Lagos has Lekki,” the governor said.

He also pointed to climate as another area where both regions could learn from one another.

California faces challenges including wildfires and drought, while Lagos continues to deal with flooding, coastal erosion and the effects of rising sea levels.

“We have things to teach each other, and things to learn,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The California Legislature’s resolution similarly describes the partnership as one intended to promote mutual economic development, cultural exchange and collaborative problem-solving.

The agreement could also strengthen existing links created by the Nigerian and Nigerian-American communities in California.

Haney, who has previously visited Lagos’ Yaba technology district, said he sees opportunities in areas such as fashion, food, culture and the creative economy.

“The possibilities and opportunities are limitless,” he said.

His office has also highlighted potential collaboration in technology, clean energy, education, trade, health and the creative economy, saying the relationship could help businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and innovators in California and Lagos build connections and access new markets.

The signing ceremony brought together lawmakers and officials from both sides.

Among those present were Lagos State House of Assembly members Lukmon Saheed Olumoh, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and Kehinde Joseph, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.

California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, who worked with Haney on the resolution, was also present, alongside California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin, Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, business leaders and members of the Nigerian community.

The event also carried a strong Lagos identity.

An Eyo masquerade appeared at the ceremony, accompanied by talking drums and Yoruba music, bringing a piece of Lagos culture to the California setting.

For Lekan Salaam, Chief Executive Officer of Afretrade, the relationship also carried a personal meaning. He spoke about travelling to California as a young man and encountering opportunities that shaped his journey. His company now works to promote investment in Nigeria.

The new sister-state relationship is therefore expected to build on connections that already exist between Lagos and California.

But the real test will be what happens after the photographs, speeches and signing ceremony.

For the relationship to have a direct impact on Lagosians, it would have to translate into practical opportunities — more investment, stronger technology partnerships, access to new markets, educational exchanges, creative collaborations, climate solutions and opportunities for young people to connect with businesses and institutions in California.

California and Lagos have now formally recognised their similarities.

The next chapter will be about turning those similarities into working partnerships that people on both sides can actually feel.