(Commonwealth)_ The Nigerian branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has called on principal stakeholders to be more dedicated towards economic development, expanding trade, and investment attraction in Commonwealth member states. The appeal was made during the 2025 Commonwealth High Commissioners’ Banquet and Awards in Abuja, where influential diplomatic and institutional stakeholders gathered to reaffirm unity and cooperation among the Commonwealth.
At the ceremony, the RCS Nigeria office Chief Executive Officer and Country Director, Mr. Blackson Bayewumi, called on the importance of hard work over time above ceremonial participation. In recognizing the roles of government, institutions, and private sector stakeholders in making contributions toward powering development in the Commonwealth, he commended the virtue of ensuring momentum through sustainable programs and policies that can generate lasting economic and social dividends.
Bayewumi stressed that the Commonwealth remains one of the greatest multilateral institutions in the world today, second only to the United Nations in scope and size. It comprises 56 member states and a population of nearly 2.7 billion—nearly 30% of the population of the world—the Commonwealth is well-positioned to influence world trade, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
He also stated that the strength of the Commonwealth comes not only from its numbers but also from its values. Unlike most other multilateral institutions, the Commonwealth is based on a consensus mechanism and a voluntariness mechanism. The organization is founded on a mutual faith in fundamental values like democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. These shared values are the foundation upon which the member states cooperate regardless of their geographical or economic diversity.
In support of this initiative, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) also valued the work done by the RCS Nigeria branch. Led by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Bassi, NiDCOM valued the coordination between the RCS, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other key stakeholders. The commission valued the event as a relevant platform for reiterating aligned strategies that will define Nigeria’s progress and the general Commonwealth agenda.
NiDCOM explained that intergovernmental relations and diplomatic action are major instruments in building relationships among Commonwealth states. Such actions are considered central to solidifying cohesion, policy convergence, and mutual understanding among different cultures and types of governments.
In addition, the commission noted the harmonization of Commonwealth action with Nigeria‘s national development agenda, which included the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government. The Commission identified economic growth, poverty reduction, job creation, and inclusive growth as priorities. NiDCOM finds that activity spearheaded by agencies like the Royal Commonwealth Society complements national efforts towards improving the quality of life of citizens as well as the promotion of global partnerships.
2025 Banquet and Awards Commonwealth High Commissioners were a moment of unity by leaders, diplomats, and proponents of regional integration. It was a moment to celebrate not only common values but also discover novel means of cooperation in a quickly evolving world. With its vibrant history and dynamism, the Commonwealth still has much to gain in development and cooperation. Through its Nigerian section, the Royal Commonwealth Society has restated its willingness to capitalize on the potential by establishing avenues of communication, building strategic partnerships, and lobbying effective and sustainable development within its member nations. With the world struggling with growing trade, development, and diplomacy challenges, forums like the RCS banquet are proving useful to bridge divides and bring action across borders.
