The NLI is an international, non-partisan organisation that is registered as a Charity in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom. The organisation was founded by Olusegun Aganga (CON) in 2006 when he was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs in London. The Patron is Dr Christopher Kolade (CON) who was the former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

The major factor that inspired the founding of the NLI was the absence of a credible platform for highly accomplished Nigerians in the Diaspora and Nigeria to play a significant role in helping to transform our country/societies. So many credible Nigerians have a lot to offer as critical stakeholders in our country’s development.

The NLI provides a platform for highly accomplished leaders (Fellows) and emerging leaders (Associates) to develop an understanding and appreciation of the roots of their values, the importance of values-based leadership in the transformation of countries and societies, and the need to promote this style of leadership as a major prerequisite for sustainable development and transformation.

So far, NLI’s contributions have not only been recognised in Nigeria but by international organisations. The World Bank requested NLI to develop a similar leadership program in Rwanda. The UK All Political Parties Group identified NLI as one of the most credible and effective Nigerian organisation, in its report on Nigeria. In addition, the Aspen Institute in Colorado, Goldman Sachs, First Bank of Nigeria , Yale University, Singapore’s Nanyang University Business School, Oxford University’s Said Business School and other local and international institutions have been very supportive of our efforts and deserve due recognition.

Overall, we have made very good progress and the Initiative has been sustained by the passion, sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by the Fellows and Associates class discussions and leadership projects. They, like many other Nigerians remind us of the incredible accomplishments of Nigerians globally and give us pride and hope that we can and will transform our country.NLI Senior Fellows, Fellows and Associate Fellows are required to undertake leadership class projects.

The design and implementation of these projects are according to set guidelines and are monitored to ensure that they have a meaningful impact on the society. For example, the projects must address a pressing need within the Nigerian society and show discernible results within a year of its inception. Projects should be both innovative and ambitious, involving the relevant skills and resources of the Fellows and Associates.