Supply Chain Risk Mitigation Strategies in the Nigerian Textile and Garment Industry: Evidence from Manufacturers in Kano and Kaduna States

This study examines the supply chain risk mitigation strategies employed by textile and garment manufacturers in Kano and Kaduna States, North West Nigeria. The Nigerian textile industry, once among the largest in Africa, has faced decades of decline linked to import competition, energy costs, and raw material supply vulnerabilities. Manufacturers who remain operational must navigate complex risks including cotton supply disruption, fabric import dependency, foreign exchange exposure, and logistics network fragility. Using a descriptive analytical design, structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were conducted with 55 supply chain and operations managers across 18 textile and garment manufacturing firms in both states. Risk categories examined include demand risk, supply risk, financial risk, operational risk, and regulatory risk. Mitigation strategies are assessed across dimensions including supplier diversification, forward contracting, safety stock investment, local sourcing substitution, and insurance coverage. Risk management maturity is assessed using a custom maturity index. The study draws on supply chain risk management literature and textile industry operational research from sub-Saharan African manufacturing contexts. Findings are expected to reveal that most firms adopt reactive, informal risk mitigation approaches, with few demonstrating proactive risk register systems or scenario planning capabilities. Recommendations address factory owners, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and industrial policy makers on building structured risk management capacity to support the revival of the North West textile corridor. Keywords: supply chain risk, mitigation strategies, textile industry, Kano, Kaduna.