The Relevance of Technology to Sustainable Procurement in the Hospitality Industry: A Study of 3 and 4-Star Hotels in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Abstract— The global hospitality industry is at a critical juncture, facing increasing pressure to reconcile its economic contributions with its environmental and social responsibilities. In developing nations like Nigeria, this tension is particularly acute. Sustainable procurement, which integrates environmental, social, and economic criteria into purchasing decisions, offers a pathway to this reconciliation. Concurrently, digital technology has emerged as a potent enabler for operationalizing sustainability ambitions. This study investigates the nexus between technology adoption and sustainable procurement implementation within the hospitality sector, with a specific focus on 3 and 4-star hotels in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from 102 procurement and management staff across 12 purposively selected hotels. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation) via SPSS version 27. The findings reveal a significant disconnect between high sustainability awareness and low technological integration. While a majority of hotels rely on semi-automated systems like spreadsheets and emails, only a small minority utilize fully integrated e-procurement platforms. A strong positive correlation was established between the level of technology adoption and the implementation of sustainable procurement practices. However, formidable barriers persist, including high technology costs, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and a scarcity of skilled personnel. The study concludes that technology is a critical catalyst for sustainable procurement, but its potential is stifled by contextual constraints. It recommends a multi-stakeholder approach involving targeted government policies, capacity-building initiatives, the development of affordable, context-sensitive software solutions, and infrastructural investments to bridge the digital divide and unlock sustainable value in Nigeria's hospitality sector.