The NIA was conceived by three Nigerian architects and founded on 1 April 1960, as an association of independent professional architects with the aims and objectives of fostering friendship amongst members, cater for their welfare and establish mutual support and cooperation amongst them.
The NIA is a member organization of professional Architects, with the objective of promoting the practice of the profession of Architecture in Nigeria. It has approximately 6000 full members, associates, graduates and student members in 32 State Chapters. It is a member of the International Union of Architects and a founding member of both the Commonwealth Association of Architects and the Africa Union of Architects. It is a non-governmental organization but performs some statutory functions on behalf of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and cooperates with governmental and non-governmental agencies and institutions.