Ibukun Adebayo-Thomas Calls for Robust Policy Framework to Support SMEs


 By Genesis Ogiri

ABUJA — Dr. Ibukun Adebayo-Thomas, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Today's Bukka, has called for a robust and business-friendly policy framework to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, saying the country's hardworking and innovative youths require an enabling environment to translate their ideas into sustainable businesses.

Adebayo-Thomas made the call at an entrepreneurship summit held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Area 10, Abuja, where she addressed journalists and participants on the challenges confronting business owners and the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.

She said Nigerian youths possess the determination, resilience and ingenuity to succeed in business but stressed that their efforts must be supported by policies that encourage innovation, strengthen enterprise development and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on business growth, Adebayo-Thomas said operating successfully in Nigeria's challenging economic environment requires strategic thinking, adaptability and a resilient business mindset. She noted that Nigerian youths possess the determination, ingenuity and capacity to thrive under difficult conditions, but stressed that inadequate institutional support could undermine their efforts to scale their businesses and maximise emerging market opportunities.

She urged aspiring business owners to prioritise knowledge acquisition and continuous professional development, describing them as critical drivers of sustainable business growth. According to her, a sound understanding of market dynamics, consumer behaviour and emerging trends would enable business operators to identify untapped opportunities, develop innovative solutions and establish a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

She also challenged the perception that industries had become saturated, urging participants to identify gaps in existing markets and develop products and services that address unmet needs. According to her, competition should inspire innovation and strategic differentiation rather than discourage emerging business owners from pursuing viable opportunities.

Drawing from her business experience, Adebayo-Thomas has built Today's Bukka, a heritage African restaurant brand, from a modest financial base into a recognised dining business with more than 180 strong, according to her profile. In 2024, she launched Today's Bukka Express, the brand's quick-service arm, to extend its operations through delivery, takeaway and scalable service models.

Her business interests also extend to real estate through Rock Realty Limited, a property development company focused on improving access to homeownership for middle-income Nigerians. Its developments include the Bold Living Apartments Series in Lekki. A medical doctor by training, Adebayo-Thomas has professional experience in private wealth management and institutional real estate and is the author of I Want My Home, a guide to property ownership in Nigeria.

Beyond her commercial interests, she founded Women Thrive by Design, a faith-integrated marketplace community dedicated to women's leadership, professional development and economic empowerment. She described the summit as an important platform for fostering dialogue between government and private-sector stakeholders, stressing that effective policies, knowledge-driven innovation and stronger institutional collaboration were critical to helping SMEs overcome operational challenges, create jobs and contribute to Nigeria's economic development.

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