The Open Intents Framework (OIF) is an emerging initiative within the Ethereum ecosystem aimed at standardizing and simplifying intent-based transactions to improve interoperability and user experience across Ethereum’s fragmented Layer 2 (L2) landscape. As Ethereum has scaled through rollups and sidechains, the resulting proliferation of chains has introduced challenges like complex bridging, liquidity fragmentation, and poor cross-chain usability. OIF seeks to address these by providing a modular, open-source framework for developers to build intent-based applications efficiently.

What Is the Open Intents Framework?

At its core, OIF is designed to unify Ethereum’s multi-chain ecosystem by enabling “intents”—high-level user goals (e.g., “swap 1 ETH for USDC on the cheapest chain”)—rather than requiring users or developers to specify the exact mechanics of execution (e.g., which bridge or liquidity pool to use). Instead of users navigating the technical complexity of cross-chain interactions, intents allow them to express desired outcomes, which are then fulfilled by specialized entities called “solvers” through various execution pathways.

OIF emerged as a collaborative effort led by contributors from the Ethereum Foundation, Hyperlane, Bootnode, and over 30 other teams across the Ethereum ecosystem, including major L2s like Starknet and Polygon. Launched publicly around February 19, 2025, it’s positioned as a “public good” to reduce fragmentation and enhance developer and user experiences. OIF provides a suite of tools to make intent-based development accessible.

Composable Smart Contracts: The framework includes modular smart contracts, such as the Base7683 contract, which standardizes how intents are defined and executed. It builds on ERC-7683, a proposed Ethereum standard for intent-based transactions, allowing flexibility in settlement mechanisms (e.g., Hyperlane’s Interchain Security Module or Arbitrum’s Broadcast Standard). This modularity means developers can adapt the contracts to support different order types (e.g., limit swaps) or settlement protocols without starting from scratch.

Solvers are off-chain entities that interpret and execute intents, finding the optimal path to fulfill them (e.g., sourcing liquidity or routing transactions). OIF offers a TypeScript-based reference solver that monitors on-chain events, submits transactions, and handles rebalancing. This lowers the entry barrier for teams wanting to deploy solvers, offering protocol-independent features that can be customized. A pre-built, adaptable user interface is included, enabling developers to quickly integrate intent functionality into their frontends without designing from the ground up. This speeds up deployment for dApps or wallets.

Ethereum serves as the foundational blockchain for OIF due to its dominant position in the smart contract and DeFi space. Ethereum’s mainnet and L2s (like Optimism, Arbitrum, and Polygon) form the backbone of decentralized applications. OIF leverages Ethereum’s infrastructure to connect these chains, using its smart contract capabilities to define intents. By building on Ethereum’s ERC standards (e.g., ERC-7683), OIF ensures compatibility across its vast ecosystem, reinforcing Ethereum’s role as the interoperability layer. Ethereum’s mature network, with thousands of nodes and a $300+ billion market cap, provides a trusted base for OIF’s contracts and solvers, balancing scalability with security.

Unlike private blockchains or newer alternatives (e.g., Solana), Ethereum’s established tooling, developer community, and adoption by institutions (like Fidelity’s tokenized fund) make it the logical choice for a framework aiming for broad uptake. Ethereum’s ecosystem struggles to scale seamlessly across L2s. OIF could indirectly benefit companies like Tesla if they explore blockchain for supply chain or payment systems (e.g., tokenized transactions for vehicle purchases), by simplifying cross-chain operations. However, no direct link exists as of now—Musk’s crypto interests lean more toward Dogecoin than Ethereum.

OIF reduces the need to reinvent intent infrastructure, offering pre-built tools that streamline cross-chain dApp development. This could accelerate innovation in DeFi, gaming, or NFT marketplaces. A unified intent system promises a smoother experience—think gasless swaps or one-click cross-chain transfers—without navigating L2 complexities. By standardizing intents, OIF could boost L2 adoption, reduce centralization risks (e.g., solver monopolies), and enhance Ethereum’s competitiveness against rival blockchains.

The Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, has projected that Nigeria’s plan to concession major highways in deplorable condition and introduce tolls will significantly lower inflation, boost productivity, and strengthen the naira.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Business Morning show on Monday, Rewane explained that the initiative, which follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, is designed to ease transportation costs, improve market access for goods, and curb the growing insecurity on highways.

Rewane, a member of the Federal Government’s Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), emphasized that the concession model is the government’s attempt to step aside and allow private sector investment in road development.

“This initiative is the government’s way of getting out of the way so that the private sector can put money into road development,” he said.

Nigeria’s Economic Struggles and Inflation Woes

The proposal comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with severe economic challenges. Inflation remains at record highs, food prices have skyrocketed, and the cost of living has become unbearable for millions. The removal of fuel subsidies, the sharp depreciation of the naira, and a struggling job market have left citizens with little financial relief.

Rewane linked Nigeria’s persistent inflation to poor road infrastructure, stating that inefficiencies in transportation lead to higher costs for goods, widespread post-harvest losses, and ultimately, price hikes.

“Inflation is defined as the persistent increase in prices due to low productivity and an increase in money supply. While the money supply can be controlled using the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and the Central Bank, the real issue is productivity. When goods are produced but cannot reach the market due to bad roads, we experience high transportation costs, food wastage, and price hikes,” he said.

He further explained that rural inflation is currently higher than urban inflation in Nigeria, a situation largely attributed to transportation inefficiencies.

“So, we have these three major factors—bad roads, post-harvest losses, and high petrol prices—all contributing to inflation. But when inflation reduces, the exchange rate begins to strengthen. There is a strong correlation between inflation and currency volatility—the higher your inflation rate, the weaker your currency,” he explained.

The Road Concession Model

Under the concession model, private investors will be granted 25-year agreements to build and maintain specific highways while collecting tolls. A percentage of the toll revenue will be remitted to the Federal Government and, in some cases, state governments.

“When you concession the road to an investor who spends maybe N100 billion or N200 billion, guards it with drone technology, installs central reservations, and secures it with high barriers, the risk of kidnapping will drop significantly,” Rewane said.

He added that well-maintained roads will enhance efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and ultimately lower the price of goods.

“The cost of transportation reduces sharply, and this is coinciding with the reduction in petrol prices. Goods will get to their destinations faster. The records are there, and the evidence is clear—because I can get to my location faster, I would rather pay N1,000 or N500 for tolls if it saves me time,” he said.

Providing an example, he noted that the travel time between Benin and Asaba, which currently takes three to four hours due to poor road conditions, would be reduced to just 45 minutes under the concession model.

Nigerians Push Back Against Additional Burdens

However, his optimism has not been received lightly by Nigerians, many of whom argue that the proposed road tolls and potential additional levies will only worsen their already dire economic situation.

Many have taken to social media and public forums to criticize the plan, arguing that any initiative that requires them to pay more while the government fails to cut its extravagant spending is unacceptable.

For years, Nigerians have called for a reduction in the cost of governance, pointing out the massive salaries and allowances paid to political officeholders, as well as the continued wastefulness in government expenditures. The response to the proposed tolls has reinforced the growing frustration that the government continues to take from the people without making sacrifices of its own.

“The government wants to collect more money from people to reduce inflation. Will it work? I doubt it. This method will impact lower-income households more heavily,” a social commenter said.

Others have noted that introducing tolls on highways could further increase transportation costs rather than reduce them, as private investors will prioritize profit.

Government’s Financial Struggles and the Need for Private Investment

The federal government has long struggled with a funding shortfall for infrastructure projects, with Nigeria’s debt burden and budget deficits limiting its ability to maintain critical road networks. The highway concession plan is seen as a way to shift this financial burden to the private sector.

Rewane argued that the initiative will ultimately benefit the government and the economy.

“The government won’t have to spend billions annually on road repairs. When a road is well-built and well-maintained, you will enjoy greater efficiency and lower costs,” he stated.

However, analysts warn that without proper oversight, the concession model could lead to excessive toll charges, poor road maintenance in the long run, and further disenfranchisement of ordinary Nigerians who already struggle with high costs.

The Larger Debate: Economic Reforms vs. Public Welfare

The backlash against the road concession plan reflects a broader discontent with the government’s approach to economic management. Nigerians have watched as multiple reforms—ranging from subsidy removal to currency devaluation—have placed more financial strain on them, with little relief. Many now believe that any policy that involves taking more from the people without addressing government excesses is unjustifiable.

Popular opinion now holds that while Nigeria needs better infrastructure, the government must first prove its commitment to fiscal responsibility by cutting the high cost of governance before asking citizens to bear additional financial burdens.

The Nigerian insurance industry is set to undergo a transformative phase, with insurers projected to inject approximately N600 billion in fresh capital to meet evolving regulatory requirements.

This is according to the 2025 Nigerian Insurance Industry Report, released by Agusto & Co., which predicts that the impending Nigeria Insurance Reform Bill will fast-track the sector’s transition to a risk-based capital framework, ultimately strengthening underwriting capacity and financial resilience.

The anticipated capital raise is driven by the planned overhaul of the industry’s regulatory framework, which is expected to introduce higher minimum capital requirements across various business segments. The reform, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, is now expected to be signed into law before the end of 2025, compelling insurance firms to bolster their financial base in compliance with the new capital thresholds.

The Shift to Risk-Based Capital and Industry Capitalization

The Nigeria Insurance Reform Bill is expected to usher in a more structured approach to capital adequacy, with insurers required to hold capital in line with the specific risks they underwrite. The bill will replace the existing flat capital requirement structure, which has long been criticized for failing to account for differences in insurers’ risk exposures. The framework is expected to reduce systemic vulnerabilities and improve the industry’s ability to absorb shocks, by aligning capital requirements with risk levels.

Agusto & Co. estimates that the transition will necessitate a N600 billion capital injection across the industry, as insurers scramble to meet the new capital benchmarks. While the recapitalization process will be phased over time, a surge in capital-raising activities is expected in 2025, with firms seeking to position themselves for compliance ahead of regulatory deadlines.

In its report, Agusto & Co. stated: “The Nigeria Insurance Reform Bill, which seeks to overhaul the industry’s regulatory framework, is expected to be passed into law before 31 December 2025. We believe the bill would compel the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to fast-track the transition to a risk-based capital regime (initiated over a decade ago).

“This legislation would significantly impact the industry’s capitalization, given the planned increase in the minimum capital requirement across business segments. We anticipate a capital injection of circa N600 billion as insurers move to comply with the new thresholds, leading to enhanced underwriting capacity and greater risk retention.”

The report further highlighted that the shift to risk-based capital will reshape underwriting practices, encouraging insurers to adopt more robust risk assessment strategies to optimize profitability. This is expected to drive innovation, particularly in the adoption of technology-driven solutions aimed at improving penetration and efficiency.

Short-Term Challenges Amid Lower FX Gains

While a larger capital base is expected to enhance long-term profitability, the industry is likely to face short-term challenges, particularly as foreign currency revaluation gains—which have significantly boosted earnings in recent years—are projected to decline.

Over the past two years, insurance companies benefited from the depreciation of the naira, which inflated the value of dollar-denominated assets, leading to substantial FX revaluation gains. In FY 2023 and FY 2024, these gains accounted for approximately 50% of total investment income, significantly bolstering insurers’ bottom lines.

However, with the naira expected to stabilize following recent foreign exchange market reforms, these gains will likely diminish. This could lead to a lower return on equity (ROE) for insurers, with Agusto & Co. projecting a decline to 22.8% in 2025, compared to previous years.

The report noted: “We expect the enlarged portfolio, with the potential to support profitability, to stimulate more efficient investment portfolio management. However, the expected stability of the exchange rate would moderate the foreign currency revaluation gains, which have bloated investment income and accounted for circa 50% of earnings in FY 2023 and FY 2024.

“The anticipated decline in asset yield—as the rebased Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects disinflation—would also moderate investment income. Thus, we foresee a 957-basis-point decline in the return on average investment, as the impact of moderated investment income is amplified by the enlarged portfolio.”

Profitability Outlook and Industry Adjustments

With the decline in FX revaluation gains, the industry’s profitability is expected to weaken in the near term. Agusto & Co. predicts that post-tax return on average equity (ROE) will drop to 22.8% in 2025, marking a retreat from the recent profit windfalls.

However, the report argues that sustainable profit growth—excluding the volatile FX gains—will likely maintain an upward trajectory. This will be supported by:

1. Stricter enforcement of compulsory insurance policies, which could expand premium income.
2. More efficient product distribution, leveraging digital channels to improve penetration.
3. An enlarged capital base, allowing insurers to retain more risk and reduce reliance on reinsurance.

As firms adapt to the new regulatory environment, the insurance sector’s profitability mix is expected to shift, with investment income playing a less dominant role, while underwriting profits become more central to earnings.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has partnered with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST) and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST) to launch Sankore, a £1.9 million initiative designed to strengthen science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) in West Africa.

The initiative, which falls under the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP), is aimed at deepening collaboration between the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana while supporting key agreements such as the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy (2023-2027) and the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership signed in November 2024.

According to a statement released on Monday by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in Lagos, Sankore will work closely with stakeholders in Nigeria and Ghana to drive innovation-led economic growth.

One of its primary objectives is to support the operationalization of Ghana’s National Research Fund (GNRF) and Nigeria’s National Research Fund (NRF), both of which serve as critical financial mechanisms for advancing research and technological development. Additionally, the initiative will help Nigeria establish its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC), an institution expected to shape national research priorities, strengthen policies, and enhance Nigeria’s innovation landscape.

A major aspect of Sankore’s focus is the commercialization of research-driven solutions, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture and energy. The initiative seeks to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses across the region by ensuring that scientific discoveries are effectively translated into viable market solutions.

In addition, Sankore aims to improve regulatory policies that govern innovation, ensuring better access to data for businesses, researchers, and policymakers. To further support governments and stakeholders, the initiative will also set up a Helpdesk that will provide expert guidance on ST&I-related issues, offering technical assistance to facilitate policy implementation and institutional capacity building.

During the official launch of the initiative in Abuja, key officials from the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana hailed Sankore as a transformative step towards economic diversification through innovation. Speaking at the event, the UK’s Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, Ms. Susan Mshana, emphasized the significance of the partnership in strengthening the UK’s long-term relationship with West Africa.

“Sankore will strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with West Africa, driving economic growth through innovation. By combining our expertise, we aim to boost job creation, economic diversification, and service delivery in Nigeria and Ghana,” She stated.

Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science & Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the initiative would position Ghana as a regional leader in scientific and technological advancement.

“The Sankore initiative will position Ghana as a regional hub for scientific and technological advancement. Innovation is key to building a strong economy, and through this partnership, we can ensure that our research and development efforts translate into tangible economic benefits for our people,” he said.

Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, also praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with the country’s broader goal of fostering homegrown innovation while leveraging international expertise.

He said: “Sankore aligns with our goal of promoting homegrown innovation while integrating global advancements. This partnership with the UK will accelerate Nigeria’s tech-driven economic progress. By strengthening our research and development ecosystem, we can ensure that scientific and technological advancements contribute meaningfully to national growth.”

The implementation of Sankore will be spearheaded by UNESCO and Results for Development (R4D), in collaboration with local and international partners. The initiative will run for 15 months, concluding in March 2026. Through its Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar, Senegal, along with its national offices in Abuja and Accra, UNESCO will coordinate efforts with national and regional stakeholders, including the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH).

The objective is to strengthen ST&I systems in both Nigeria and Ghana, ensuring that the program contributes meaningfully to national development priorities while advancing science in the interests of peace and sustainable growth.

Sankore comes at a time when Africa’s technology ecosystem is witnessing rapid expansion, attracting global interest due to its innovation potential. However, one of the persistent challenges facing the region is the ability to translate research into tangible economic outcomes. The initiative has the potential to unlock new opportunities for researchers, investors, and startups by reinforcing research funding mechanisms and establishing clear pathways for commercialization.

If successfully executed, Sankore could serve as a model for future collaborations between African nations and international partners, demonstrating that strategic investment in science and technology is essential for driving economic transformation.