The fast pace of change and national development in countries across the world, especially over the past three decades, has been driven by paradigm transitions towards “thinking globally and acting locally”. Successful national growth and development have therefore been accomplished under inherently deft, visionary and people-oriented national policies and strategies. The Nigerian State had foreseen the need for qualitative input into the national policy making process by 1979.
Its vision is “To be the Apex Centre for policy, research and reflection for a better Nigeria and human society".
The mission of the National Institute is “to serve as the Centre for policy, Advocacy, Advice and Training for Nigeria, West Africa and Africa in the context of a dynamic and changing world”.
The motto of the Institute is “Towards a better society”.