Supplier Relationship Management and Procurement Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Manufacturing firms face procurement challenges associated with weak supplier collaboration, inadequate trust, and prolonged delivery lead times, which may disrupt production and increase operating costs. This study examined the effect of supplier relationship management on procurement performance among manufacturing firms in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, focusing on supplier collaboration, trust-based relationships, and supplier lead-time reduction. A correlational survey design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were administered to relevant personnel in selected manufacturing firms. Of the 88 questionnaires distributed, 74 were returned, representing a response rate of 84.09%. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression with SPSS version 23. The results revealed that supplier collaboration was positively and significantly associated with procurement performance (β = 0.564, t = 17.113, p < .001, R² = .456). Trust-based relationships also showed a positive and significant association (β = 0.849, t = 25.662, p < .001, R² = .654), while supplier lead-time reduction had a positive and significant association with procurement performance (β = 0.644, t = 19.504, p < .001, R² = .522). The findings highlight the importance of collaborative procurement planning, trustworthy supplier relationships, and effective delivery-time management. The study recommends strengthening supplier collaboration, promoting transparency and mutual trust, and systematically monitoring delivery lead times. However, because the analyses involved separate simple regression models and a geographically limited sample, the findings indicate associations rather than definitive causal effects and may not be generalisable to all manufacturing firms.