<p>Multifunctional Schiff base (SB) ligands were synthesized easily from the condensation reaction between substituted aldehydes and amines. The properties of these ligands were varied due to change in the functional groups present on both the reactants. Using these newly developed ligands, earth abundant nickel complexes were formed. Different characterization techniques, like UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy, NMR, HRMS, etc. were utilized to obtain extensive structural data for all the compounds. The main impetus of this investigation was to demonstrate the versatile utility of these complexes, both as chemical catalysts and antimicrobial agents, wherein an earth abundant nickel(II) had been utilized. The complexes were assessed against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, wherein the Ni(II) complexes showed efficient antibacterial property. In addition, the complexes were utilized to carry out reductive dye degradation, for common dyes like methylene blue (MEB), methyl orange (MO), Congo red (CR) and Rhodamine-B(RhB). Since these dyes are the common water pollutants, it was concluded that the Ni(II)-SB complexes were effective in decomposing the pollutants, thereby providing useful environmental impact. Thus, it can be established that the earth abundant Ni(II) complexes of SB ligands exhibit different valuable activities as chemical catalysts and pharmaceutical agents.</p> Graphical abstract <p>Sustainable materials developed from earth-abundant metal-Schiff base complexes, which act as pharmaceutical agents and as chemical catalysts. Ni(II) complexes exhibited versatile and enhanced antibacterial activity as opposed to the SB ligands. The Ni(II) complexes are used as catalysts for reductive dye degradation providing significant environmental benefits.</p>