The NEAT Initiative will carry out research, education, and advocacy to capture a portion of funds from upcoming and potential deals and legislative changes involving the three asset classes described below to endow one or more independent, private foundation to support local CSOs and communities working to address the pressing social and economic issues facing the people of Nigeria. The PtP concept on which the NEAT Initiative is built emphasizes the need for community and stakeholder input into the mission, focus, activities, and structure of any resulting foundation or institution and encourages a clear connection between the asset being captured—and any ills brought about by the activities underlying it—and the work carried out by the resulting foundation. The NEAT Initiative will follow this guidance.
past efforts
NEAT grew from efforts carried out under the PtP project established by the late Professor Lester Salamon of the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Civil Society Studies in partnership with the East West Management Institute (EWMI). Following an extensive global research and fact-finding phase, the PtP concept was introduced to Nigeria in 2019 in partnership with EWMI Consultant Aaron Bornstein and the Africa Network for Environment & Economic Justice (ANEEJ). This work kicked off with a series of meetings in Abuja and Benin City with representatives of the Nigerian Ministries, Vice President’s office, Members of Parliament, CSOs, and the media to introduce PtP and discuss potential asset classes that could be used to endow an independent foundation. A great degree of excitement that emerged from those meetings, however follow-up was quelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PtP-Nigeria effort was rekindled in 2022, starting with strategic planning between ANEEJ and EWMI, the commissioning of a detailed Political Economy Analysis, and the development a Concept Note outlining the NEAT Initiative strategy and goals.
next steps
To advance the NEAT Initiative in Nigeria, we believe our most effective strategy is to inform, consult, and recruit a very broad and deep coalition of potential supporters as soon as possible. In the immediate term, this will entail:
- Direct outreach to key constituencies and formation of blue-ribbon Advisory Committee: We will undertake strategic targeted outreach to key NGO coalitions, business groups, MPs, local government officials, religious leaders, and youth and community groups to inform and generate support for the PtP approach in the target assets classes. Ultimately, this will result in the creation of a blue-ribbon Advisory Committee of highly motivated and committed members to help guide and accelerate the foundation creation and institution building process.
- Validation of the proposed NEAT Initiative approach: We will convene a workshop for the newly established Advisory Committee to validate and refine the NEAT vision, targets, and planned way forward. A follow-up Roundtable will be held to further refine the Initiative’s implementation plan and expand awareness of the concept amongst other key stakeholders.
- Introduce NEAT into Nigeria’s political discourse: We will identify potential supporters of the NEAT approach among lawmakers and candidates, and ensure they are fully briefed on the Initiative’s vision and are able to promote it in debates, interviews with journalists, legislative actions, etc.
- Initiate discussions with the Nigerian Extractive Transparency Initiative (NEITI) leadership: We will open discussions with NEITI on approaches to cooperation and development of an action plan to establish a PtP-type foundation dedicated to the promotion of community and CSO development in a target region affected by mineral exploitation.
- Further research: Each of the proposed asset classes will require additional research to identify opportunities and to develop action plans for the creation of an endowed foundation. As this investigation proceeds, we will also need to commission research into the legal implications of the proposed approach, Nigerian foundation law, and any legislative or constitutional changes needed to enable the outcome envisioned by the NEAT Initiative.
- On-going outreach: Throughout the process, we will need to continue and expand on NEAT’s public education outreach strategy, including updating the website, implementing an effective social media strategy, organizing publicity events conferences, and hosting Advisory Committee planning sessions. We will also need to identify potential champions among both elected lawmakers and political nominees, reach out to educate them on the advantages of the NEAT approach, and to gain their support of and interest in implementing NEAT.
Looking ahead, any foundation receiving endowment funds through the results of the NEAT Initiative will be carefully designed or enhanced ensure that it meets the key fundamentals of best practice governance, including sufficient independence from government or industry control and high-standard governance, management, accountability, transparency, and substantial community input and oversight mechanisms. To ensure that this fundamental tenet of the PtP and NEAT Initiative is followed, the NEAT teams will oversee and advise on the following:
- Designing the transactions: We will collaborate with key civil servants, international bodies, and other stakeholders associated with each of the three asset classes to design and plan for potential asset transformations. This will include, for instance, targeted follow-up discussions with NEITI on a cooperation framework that could lead to a NEAT pilot; discussions with Nigeria’s international debt-holders; and consultation with both local and international parties working toward the repatriation of stolen assets. Fortunately, the PtP Project has developed a number of documents that draw on previous instances of PtP to provide a guide to these processes; we will adapt these to the Nigerian context in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Designing the resulting foundation(s): A key factor in terms of possible foci of a foundation resulting from the NEAT Initiative will be GoN development priorities as they relate to the use of assets. Along with other stakeholders, a wide range of GoN decision makers will be engaged from the outset of NEAT’s educational and advocacy efforts. During the project we work towards building consensus around the need for a foundation, and other critical considerations including the foundation’s mission, endowment, and governance structure. Working with the Advisory Committee and a broad coalition of stakeholders, community members, and others, we will support the development of robust guidelines for independent, transparent, and community-led governance and control options for the resulting institutions. As part of this, we will bring to bear international expertise to develop model missions, activities, reporting, community advisory structures, and other founding documents needed under each asset class that moves forward.