Jamir, a former state Chief Minister, said in a statement that he took the decision after AICC president Sonia Gandhi asked him not to contest the polls, but play a "more effective role" in the party and the state.
"Hence, I will be more visible in the electioneering at all important places," he said.
Jamir said he had served the state and the nation for over six decades and that as a disciplined Congressman he would abide by the decision of the Congress high command.
Jamir, is a member of the Naga People's Convention that was instrumental in the creation of Nagaland in 1963.
He served as Chief Minister on four occasions -- 1980, 1982-1986, 1989-90 and 1993-2003.
His last assignment was as the Governor of Goa and Maharashtra from 2005 to 2010.
Nagaland will go to polls on February 23.