Strategic Human Resource Planning and Organisational Effectiveness in the Nigerian Banking Sector: A Study of First Bank Plc, Port Harcourt

This study examines the relationship between strategic human resource planning (SHRP) and organisational effectiveness at First Bank Plc, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in Nigeria's South South geopolitical zone. SHRP involves aligning workforce capacity with strategic business goals, and its effective application is considered essential for sustaining competitive advantage in the financial services industry. This research employs a survey research design with data gathered from 110 HR professionals, branch managers, and planning officers. A structured questionnaire based on validated instruments was administered, with analysis conducted through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. The study evaluates SHRP components including workforce demand forecasting, competency gap analysis, succession planning integration, talent acquisition strategy, and HR budget alignment. Findings reveal that competency gap analysis and talent acquisition strategy exert the strongest positive effects on organisational effectiveness indicators including service delivery quality, employee utilisation rates, and strategic goal achievement. Succession planning integration remains underdeveloped, creating leadership pipeline vulnerabilities. The study recommends that First Bank strengthen its SHRP processes by institutionalising annual workforce audits, integrating SHRP with broader corporate strategy cycles, and developing robust succession pipelines. Practical implications for HR directors in the Nigerian banking sector are discussed. Keywords: strategic human resource planning, organisational effectiveness, banking sector, First Bank, Rivers State.