The bustling corridors of the Georgia State Capitol carried a distinctly Nigerian energy yesterday as Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, took the podium at the US–Nigeria Policy And Trade Forum, held in partnership with the Federation of Nigerian International Trade and Commerce Chambers (FNITCC)–AFRICON 2025.
It was more than just a speech; it was a declaration of intent. Lagos, Africa’s fifth largest economy and most populous city with over 24 million residents, is “open for business,” Sanwo-Olu told an audience of policymakers, investors and members of the Nigerian diaspora. His words echoed with ambition not just for Lagos State but for the strengthening of bonds between two thriving economic powerhouses and urban centers: Atlanta and Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu drew parallels between the two cities, highlighting their shared status as gateways for economic activity.
“Atlanta is a logistics and technology hub for the American South, while Lagos serves as the gateway to West Africa,” he noted. “Both cities thrive at the intersection of trade, innovation and culture.”
Atlanta, with its flourishing technology ecosystem, world-class universities and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest in the world strikingly mirrors Lagos’ position as Africa’s commercial and cultural heartbeat. This similarity, Sanwo-Olu argued, creates fertile ground for cooperation in areas ranging from infrastructure and healthcare to technology and the creative economy.
At the heart of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s message was the Nigerian diaspora in Georgia, which he described as an indispensable partner in shaping a new narrative of collaboration.
“The Nigerian diaspora in Georgia is a bridge of trust and innovation. Together, we can strengthen city-to-city ties between Atlanta and Lagos,” he said.
Atlanta is home to one of the largest Nigerian communities in the United States. Many of them are professionals, entrepreneurs and academics who have built reputations in sectors such as medicine, law, education, finance and the arts. For Sanwo-Olu, this human capital represents a unique advantage in building sustainable links between Lagos and Atlanta.
The governor’s speech came at a time when Lagos State is intensifying its efforts to attract foreign direct investment. By highlighting opportunities in infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology and the creative industries, Sanwo-Olu popularly and affectionately renowned as “Mr Sellable” pragmatically positioned Lagos as a destination for American investors seeking access to Africa’s growing markets.
He pointed to ongoing reforms and the state government’s drive through it’s THEMES+ Agenda for urban renewal, digital transformation and private sector collaboration as indicators of Lagos’ readiness. “We are building a Lagos that works for the future — resilient, inclusive, and competitive,” he added.
Participants at the forum especially amongst the Nigerian entourage and members of the Nigerian Diaspora community described Sanwo-Olu’s visit as timely and strategic. Dr. Magdalene Ajani, a senior Nigerian official in attendance, observed that the governor’s message aligned with Nigeria’s broader push for economic diplomacy.
An Atlanta-based Nigerian-American entrepreneur, Chinedu Eke, said the governor’s remarks reinforced the need for structured partnerships. “Many of us here in Atlanta are eager to invest back home. What we need are the right frameworks and assurances from government and I think Governor SanwoOlu’s presence here shows seriousness,” he told reporters.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s engagement is part of a growing wave of subnational diplomacy where state and city leaders take the lead in forging international partnerships. By promoting city-to-city cooperation between Atlanta and Lagos, the governor underscored a modern model of diplomacy where local governments act as engines of global connectivity.
“Nation-to-nation relations are important,” Sanwo-Olu said, “but the future belongs to direct city-to-city partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for our people.”
While investment opportunities dominated much of the discussion, the governor also emphasized Lagos’ potential as a cultural and educational partner. With Nollywood’s global influence, Lagos’ thriving music scene, and the city’s growing creative hubs, he invited Georgia to collaborate on exchanges in the arts and creative industries.
Similarly, academic partnerships between universities in Georgia and Lagos State were identified as a pathway for knowledge sharing and research collaboration.
Looking ahead, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Atlanta visit signals a deliberate strategy to anchor Lagos more firmly within the global economy. For Georgia, it represents a chance to deepen ties with one of Africa’s fastest-growing markets.
As the forum concluded, one theme was clear: Lagos is not just looking for investors but for partners who can join in shaping a future where innovation, trade and culture flow seamlessly across the Atlantic.
“Lagos is open,” Sanwo-Olu declared. “Open for investment, open for ideas, open for partnerships that will define the future of Africa and the world!.”
