About NIIA
The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs was established in 1961, with the aim of providing a nursery of ideas on what direction Nigeria should take on international affairs. Since inception, the Institute has been organising Conferences, Roundtables and Lectures. These are aimed at addressing current foreign policy issues and anticipating others still on the horizon.
The Institute is a specialized instrument of foreign policy formulation in Nigeria. It serves as an intellectual base upon which decision-makers rely for informed opinion and expert advice in order to make rational choices between contending policy options.
The administration of the Institute is organized at two levels:
The Governing Council, which comprises eminent Nigerians from the academia. The Management Committee is chaired by the Director-General with the Directors of Research, Studies, Library, Special Duties and Administration as members. There are four statutory departments: Directorate, Research, Studies, Library & Documentation and Administration and Finance.
Our Mission
To provide a nursery of ideas on the direction Nigeria should take in international affairs, and a meeting ground for people of all nations and a rich soil for the cross-fertilization of their minds.
Our Vision
A centre of excellence for the scientific study of international relations, encouraging international understanding and an open exchange of ideas.
Our Mandate
To conduct research and foster informed dialogue on crucial issues in world affairs through conferences, seminars, workshops, roundtable discussions and public lectures.
Our Values
Painstaking research, intellectual exchange and cooperation with individuals, corporate bodies and governments in the pursuit of our mandate.
Our Journey
1961
Established as Nigeria's premier institute for the study of international affairs.
1963
Inaugurated under Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Research & dialogue
A forum for conferences, seminars, public lectures and international exchange.
Today
Continuing to inform Nigeria's engagement with a changing world.
Our Leadership
Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General, welcomes cooperation and an open exchange of ideas in pursuit of the Institute’s mandate.