Green Supply Chain Management Practices and Competitiveness of Export-Oriented Firms in Edo State

This study examines the adoption of green supply chain management practices among export-oriented firms in Edo State, Nigeria, and their relationship with international competitiveness outcomes. Green supply chain management encompasses environmentally responsible procurement, production, distribution, and reverse logistics practices that reduce the ecological footprint of supply chain operations. As Nigerian agro-processing, rubber, and timber export firms increasingly encounter environmental compliance requirements from European and North American buyers, understanding the adoption drivers and competitive implications of green supply chain practices becomes strategically relevant. The study employs a survey research design collecting data from 75 export firm managers and operations officers in Benin City and surrounding industrial areas through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis are applied. The theoretical framework draws on the natural resource-based view and the stakeholder theory of environmental management. The study examines the extent of green supply chain practice adoption across dimensions including green procurement, eco-design, environmental collaboration with suppliers, and carbon footprint monitoring, assessing their association with export buyer satisfaction ratings, repeat order rates, and premium pricing achievement. Findings are expected to indicate that firms with more advanced green supply chain practices achieve superior buyer relationship quality and access to premium market segments, particularly in European markets with strict environmental sourcing standards. Recommendations include industry-led green supply chain certification programmes, export development agency support for environmental compliance, and government incentives for firms investing in green logistics infrastructure. Keywords: green supply chain, export competitiveness, environmental management, Edo State, sustainability