NIIA is a governmental institute which was founded in 1961. Its mission is to encourage and facilitate the understanding of international questions and of the circumstances, conditions and attitudes of foreign countries and their peoples, and promote the study and investigation of international questions.

The institute conducts some activities including:

• providing information to the Government of the Federation and members of the public as respects matters concerning  international affairs
• providing facilities for the training of Nigerian diplomats and personnel and those of other countries whose vocations relate to international affairs
• promoting and encourage the study of and research into all aspects of international affairs
• arranging international seminars, conferences, public lectures, an Ambassador's Forum and capacity building programmes