Supply Chain Disruptions and Business Resilience Among Manufacturing Firms in Kaduna State

This study investigates the relationship between global supply chain disruptions and business resilience among manufacturing firms in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions exposed critical vulnerabilities in the supply chains of Nigerian manufacturers that depend on imported raw materials and components from Asia and Europe. Kaduna State, which hosts a significant number of textile, food processing, and light manufacturing firms, serves as a relevant context for this analysis. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, with primary data collected from 100 production and operations managers in manufacturing firms using structured questionnaires. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to determine the influence of supply chain disruption dimensions on firm resilience outcomes. The study operationalises business resilience in terms of operational continuity, inventory management adaptations, and supplier diversification strategies. Theoretical grounding is derived from supply chain resilience theory and the dynamic capabilities framework. Preliminary evidence suggests that firms with diversified local supplier networks and flexible production systems demonstrated greater resilience during disruption periods. The research identifies key resilience-building strategies including safety stock management, localisation of inputs, and digital supply chain visibility tools. Recommendations are directed at Kaduna State's industrial development authorities and manufacturing associations to embed resilience planning into business support programmes. The study adds to the limited Nigerian literature on supply chain management in the context of global disruptions. Keywords: supply chain disruption, business resilience, manufacturing, Kaduna State, COVID-19