Nursing in Nigeria is entering a period in which professional practice can no longer depend primarily upon tradition, routine and knowledge borrowed uncritically from other societies. The increasing complexity of health care, expansion of nursing education and demand for greater professional responsibility require nurses to develop and use scientific evidence relevant to Nigerian patients, families and communities. This paper examines the place of research in the advancement of nursing practice, education, administration and health policy. It identifies priority areas for Nigerian nursing research, including maternal and child health, community health, patient education, quality of care, staffing, nursing education and culturally influenced health practices. Barriers such as inadequate research preparation, limited funding, weak library resources, shortage of mentors and poor utilization of findings are considered. The paper argues that research should not remain an academic exercise undertaken only for the award of certificates; it should answer practical questions and improve nursing care. Recommendations are made for strengthening research education, institutional support, professional conferences, nursing journals and collaboration among universities, hospitals and health ministries.