Supplier Development Programmes and Buyer-Supplier Partnership Quality in Multinational Manufacturing Companies in Lagos State

This study examines the impact of supplier development programmes on buyer-supplier partnership quality in multinational manufacturing companies operating in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Multinational firms sourcing from Nigerian local suppliers frequently encounter quality compliance challenges, delivery inconsistencies, and capacity limitations that reduce supply chain reliability. Supplier development programmes, encompassing technical assistance, training, joint quality audits, and financing support, are designed to bridge capability gaps and strengthen long-term sourcing relationships. Using a cross-sectional survey design, structured questionnaires were administered to 70 procurement directors, supply chain managers, and supplier relationship managers in 15 multinational manufacturing firms across the Ikeja and Lagos Island industrial districts. Supplier development investment is measured by programme scope, resource commitment, and duration. Partnership quality is assessed through trust, commitment, communication frequency, and joint problem-solving effectiveness, operationalised using validated scales from supply chain partnership literature. Structural equation modelling is employed to examine direct and mediated relationships. The study draws on recent buyer-supplier relationship and supply chain capability development literature. Findings are expected to confirm that structured supplier development programmes with technical training components generate significantly higher partnership quality scores. Recommendations are directed at supply chain directors, Nigerian SME development agencies, and multinational procurement associations on designing locally appropriate supplier development frameworks. Keywords: supplier development, buyer-supplier partnership, multinational manufacturing, Lagos, supply chain capability.