The law establishing the National Institute, Act 20 of 1979 (now CAP N51 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004) requires it, among other things, to disseminate, through published books, records, reports and articles, information on any part of its activities. Over the years, the National Institute has published many journals, books, seminar reports and occasional papers which have been widely circulated locally and internationally. The Institute has issued this Style Manual to keep abreast of current styles and rules in academic publishing
