Reverse Logistics Practices and Environmental Sustainability in the Cement Manufacturing Industry: Evidence from Benue State, North Central Nigeria

This study examines reverse logistics practices and their contribution to environmental sustainability in cement manufacturing firms in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. The cement industry generates significant volumes of packaging waste, dust by-products, and defective materials that, if not properly managed, contribute to environmental degradation. Reverse logistics, which encompasses returns management, waste recovery, recycling, and remanufacturing, has been identified in recent literature as a cost-effective mechanism for reducing industrial environmental footprints. The research adopts a descriptive case study design using structured questionnaires and factory observation checklists administered at two major cement plants operating in Benue State. Data are collected from 70 production, environment, health and safety, and logistics staff. The study evaluates the extent of reverse logistics adoption across five dimensions: product returns, material recovery, recycling infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and environmental reporting. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, are used to analyse relationships between reverse logistics practice levels and environmental performance indicators. Findings are expected to reveal gaps in current practice and provide actionable guidance for facility managers seeking to align their operations with Nigeria's Environmental Impact Assessment Act and global sustainability standards. The study also contributes to a limited but growing body of literature on circular economy practices in Nigerian heavy industries. Keywords: reverse logistics, environmental sustainability, cement manufacturing, Benue State, circular economy.