Supply chain management and the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria

This paper examined the relationship between supply chain management practices (SCM) and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. It aimed to explain how SCM practices like strategic suppliers’ alliances, information sharing, and collaborative governance impacts the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. SME success was measured using a continuum of operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. To reach the study's goal, a survey research approach was used, with a sample of 352 respondents representing the owners and senior management members of registered SMEs in Nigeria. Because the study depended on quantitative analysis, respondents' opinions were collected using a standardised closed-ended questionnaire. The gathered data was analysed using IBM SPSS 28 and IBM AMOS. The study found a positive and substantial correlation between chosen SCM practices and the performance of SMEs in Nigeria, as shown by the coefficients and p-values (SSA = 0.544; P <.001; IFS = 0.621; P <.001; CGV = 0.673; P <.001). It is therefore argued that SCM techniques such as strategic partnerships with suppliers, information sharing, and collaborative governance have a favourable and significant influence on the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. Consistent with the findings and current literature, this study recommends that Nigerian SMEs form strategic supplier relationships by sharing continuous improvement programs with important suppliers and include key suppliers in their planning and goal-setting processes. Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Strategic Supplier Alliance, Information Sharing, Collaborative Governance, Performance.