An approach to C-N cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides with amines in the presence of an amide-based pincer nickel(II) catalyst (2) is described. For 3 h reactions at 110 degrees C with 0.2 mol% catalyst, aryl bromides gave higher turnover numbers (TON) than the corresponding chlorides or iodides. Both primary and secondary amines could be used with the former giving higher TON. However, sterically hindered amines showed lower TON. In elucidating the mechanism of this nickel complex-catalyzed C-N cross coupling reaction it was found that the rate of reaction was unchanged in the presence of radical quenchers and a plausible Ni(I)-Ni(III) pathway is proposed. Graphic Nickel pincer catalyst proved to be excellent catalyst for the C-N cross-coupling reaction with the high turnover number (TON) for 1 degrees and 2 degrees amines and different nonactivated aryl halides under optimum conditions.