Since independence, Nigeria has played a major role in peace advocacy and conflict resolution. The country has an impressive record of participation in peace-making, peace building and peace-keeping. Nigeria can improve on her past performance through a more indepth study of the understanding of conflict situations, their historical causes as well as the dynamics and social forces that sustain them.

An effective approach to conflict management requires sustained commitment, democratization, good governance and functional civil institutions. Also, third-party intervention in conflict situation, which Nigeria is being increasingly required to undertake, must be based on an adequate knowledge of the conflict in question, drawing on technical skills required for effective management and peace negotiations.

IPCR is established as an intervention agency to prevent, mitigate and resolve conflicts, as well as an intellectual base to sharpen and support Government in formulating and implementing policies that relate to the promotion of peace and management of conflicts. It is charged with the mandate to provide relevant information and regular advice to policy makers, and to engage in, as well as collaborate with others involved in peace negotiations and settlement of conflicts.

The Institute is also committed to the creation of conditions for sustained peace and effective peace-building, especially in post-conflict societies, through the promotion of viable institutions that guarantee general security, social stability, economic development, satisfaction of basic needs, the rule of law and human rights, among others.