Supply Chain Integration and Operational Performance of Manufacturing Firms in the Aba Industrial Cluster, Abia State

This study examines the relationship between supply chain integration and operational performance among manufacturing firms in the Aba industrial cluster, Abia State, South East Nigeria. Aba is one of Nigeria's most vibrant manufacturing hubs, with a concentration of micro, small, and medium enterprises producing footwear, textiles, plastics, and fabricated metals. Supply chain integration, which encompasses information sharing, coordination with suppliers, and customer-facing logistics alignment, has been shown in recent literature to significantly improve production efficiency, delivery speed, and cost management in manufacturing contexts. Using a descriptive survey design, structured questionnaires were administered to 105 production and logistics managers across 20 manufacturing firms in Aba. The study assesses integration along three dimensions: internal cross-functional coordination, upstream supplier integration, and downstream customer integration. Operational performance is measured using production cycle time, on-time delivery rate, and cost per unit produced. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses are used for data analysis. The study draws on the Resource-Based View and integration frameworks from recent supply chain management literature. Findings are expected to demonstrate that firms with higher levels of both supplier and customer integration achieve consistently better operational outcomes, providing a roadmap for SME manufacturers seeking competitive advantage. Recommendations are addressed to firm managers, industrial development agencies, and the Abia State Government on supporting supply chain capability building. Keywords: supply chain integration, operational performance, manufacturing, Aba, Abia State.