Environmental Management Practices and Corporate Sustainability in Nigerian Manufacturing: Evidence from Aba, Abia State

This research investigates the relationship between environmental management practices (EMP) and corporate sustainability in manufacturing companies in Aba, Abia State, a major industrial centre in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone. Growing regulatory pressure, international supply chain standards, and reputational considerations are compelling Nigerian manufacturers to integrate environmental management into their operational strategies. This study employs a survey research design with data gathered from 95 plant managers, environmental compliance officers, and sustainability directors across fourteen manufacturing firms. Structured questionnaires were administered, with data analysed using descriptive statistics and regression. The study evaluates EMP dimensions including waste management systems, energy efficiency initiatives, water conservation programmes, pollution control measures, and environmental compliance monitoring. Findings indicate that waste management systems and energy efficiency initiatives are the most significant EMP predictors of corporate sustainability performance, measured through regulatory compliance rates, energy cost reduction, and ESG reporting quality. Water conservation programmes showed growing importance in firms operating high water-intensity production processes. The study also finds that EMP investments generate tangible financial sustainability benefits through operational cost savings beyond compliance-driven motivations. Recommendations include adopting ISO 14001 environmental management standards, investing in cleaner production technologies, and institutionalising environmental performance reporting. Keywords: environmental management, corporate sustainability, manufacturing, Aba, Abia State.