Relative to a sister state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 72 co-sponsors

Establishes a formal sister state relationship between California and Lagos State to collaborate on tech, climate, education, trade, health, and culture.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 94, Statutes of 2026.

#lagosstate #nigeria #sisterstaterelationship

Purpose and Intent

ACR 129 proposes establishing a formal sister state relationship between the State of California and Lagos State, Nigeria.

The resolution aims to promote collaboration and mutual benefit across a broad set of strategic areas, leveraging California’s global leadership in technology, innovation, climate, education, and culture, alongside Lagos State’s status as a populous, economically dynamic center in Africa.

Key Provisions and Changes

Establishment of a formal bilateral sister state relationship between California and Lagos State.

Areas of collaboration explicitly listed, including:

Technology and digital innovation
Creative and cultural industries
Climate action, energy, and environmental stewardship
Education, research, and innovation
Trade, infrastructure, and urban development
Health and biotechnology
Entrepreneurship and economic empowerment
Sustainable agriculture and food systems

Recognition of shared priorities such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing STEM education, urban planning and smart city development, port management and logistics, and health system strengthening.

Acknowledgement of existing ties, including the California Nigerian diaspora, and ongoing cooperation efforts (e.g., a memorandum of understanding between California and Nigeria on climate, environment, and trade).

Administrative action: Requires the Chief Clerk of the Assembly to transmit copies of the resolution to state and Lagos State officials, and to the Nigerian Consul General in San Francisco.

Affected Parties and Beneficiaries

California: state government, universities and higher education institutions, businesses, and residents who stand to benefit from enhanced education exchanges, tech and innovation partnerships, climate initiatives, cultural collaborations, and trade opportunities.

Lagos State: state government, institutions, businesses, and residents who would gain access to California’s expertise in technology, public infrastructure, healthcare innovation, and cultural industries.

Nigerian diaspora: potential expansion of transnational networks, investment, and professional opportunities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced January 28, 2026, during the 2025–2026 Regular Session.

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development, Housing, and Community (EDH) and related committees for consideration on February 2, 2026.

Co-sponsored by Assembly Members Matt Haney and Isaac Bryan.

No fiscal impact is stated in the digest; the measure focuses on establishing a framework for future collaborations rather than creating new state programs or mandatory funding.

Significance

Signals California’s commitment to international engagement and diaspora diplomacy.

Seeks to formalize and deepen cross-continental collaboration that could foster economic development, cultural exchange, research partnerships, and shared problem-solving in areas like climate resilience and technology.

Builds on existing MoUs and aligns with California’s global strategy to expand trade, investment, and innovative partnerships.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with other California sister-state initiatives or an outline of potential programs that could emerge under this framework.

Bill