Adsorption of hydrogen molecules on an Ni-doped (8,0) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) is investigated by using first-principles density functional calculations. The result shows that a single Ni atom adsorbed on the bridge site of the tube could cannot dissociate the H2, however it can chemisorb three H2 at most, with the average binding energy per H2 suitable for the hydrogen storage at the room temperature. More H2 would physisorb around an Ni atom weakly. As for the SWNT with an Ni dimer adsorbed, we find that when the H2approaches the Ni-Ni bond, it dissociates without overcoming any barrier and makes bonds with Ni atom.