Strategic Vendor Management and Supply Chain Efficiency in the Nigerian Fast Food Industry

This study examines the role of strategic vendor management in improving supply chain efficiency among fast food companies operating in Nigeria. The Nigerian quick service restaurant industry has expanded rapidly, with national and regional chains operating hundreds of outlets across major cities in all six geopolitical zones. The research targets procurement managers, supply chain directors, and operations executives of eight fast food chains with national distribution networks. A total of 80 respondents were selected through purposive sampling across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt offices. Structured questionnaires measuring vendor selection criteria, relationship management practices, and supply chain performance indicators were administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings indicate that fast food companies employing strategic vendor segmentation, categorizing vendors by strategic importance and supply criticality, achieve significantly better supply chain efficiency metrics including order fulfillment rates, freshness compliance scores, and input cost stability. Long-term vendor partnership agreements tied to quality standards and volume commitments are identified as the most effective vendor management strategy for Nigerian conditions. The study concludes that Nigerian fast food firms must elevate vendor management from a transactional to a strategic function to achieve supply chain excellence. Keywords: vendor management, supply chain efficiency, fast food industry, Nigeria, procurement strategy.