In the title complex, [Ni(C(21)H(24)N(2)O(4))], the Ni(II) ion has a slightly distorted square-planar geometry, coordinated by the two N and two O atoms of a new tetra-dentate Schiff base ligand. The dihedral angle between the planes of the two NiNC(3)O chelate rings is 14.37 (12)°.