Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices in the Textile and Apparel Industry in Kano State

Growing global and domestic awareness of environmental and social impacts embedded in manufacturing supply chains has made sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) an increasingly relevant management concern for Nigerian textile firms seeking access to international markets. This study examines sustainable supply chain management practices in the textile and apparel industry in Kano State, North West Nigeria, which hosts a historically significant manufacturing cluster. A structured survey is administered to procurement managers, production supervisors, and sustainability officers at 25 textile and garment manufacturing firms. SSCM practices are assessed across environmental, social, and economic sustainability dimensions, covering supplier screening, waste minimization, water and energy management, labour standards compliance, and circular economy initiatives. Practice adoption rates and their relationship to firm size, export market participation, and certification status are analysed. Findings indicate that economic sustainability practices are most widely adopted, while environmental and social dimensions remain underdeveloped across the majority of firms. Export-oriented firms and those with international buyer relationships demonstrate significantly higher SSCM practice scores. Water management and chemical waste disposal are identified as the most critical environmental gaps. Recommendations include developing an industry-level SSCM code of practice, linking supplier development programmes to SSCM certification, and engaging the Kano State Ministry of Environment in co-regulation. This research provides a professional SSCM diagnostic and improvement framework for the North West textile sector. Keywords: sustainable supply chain, textile industry, Kano State, environmental management, social sustainability