Talent Management in Supply Chain Organisations and Its Effect on Operational Performance in the Oil and Gas Sector in Akwa Ibom State

This study investigates the relationship between talent management practices and operational performance in supply chain functions within oil and gas sector organisations in Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. Akwa Ibom State is a major oil-producing state and hosts numerous upstream and midstream oil and gas firms with complex supply chain operations requiring specialised logistics, procurement, and materials management expertise. Talent management in this context encompasses recruitment for supply chain roles, competency development, career path structuring, and retention strategies. Using a descriptive analytical design, structured questionnaires were administered to 60 human resource managers, supply chain directors, and operations supervisors across 12 oil and gas firms in Uyo and Eket. Talent management quality is assessed through structured competency frameworks, training frequency, succession planning depth, and staff retention rates. Operational performance is measured through procurement cycle efficiency, logistics cost per barrel equivalent, and supply continuity score. Regression analysis is employed to test hypothesised relationships. The study draws on recent human capital and supply chain performance literature from the oil and gas sector. Findings are expected to confirm that firms with structured supply chain talent development programmes achieve significantly better operational performance indicators, with succession planning depth identified as a particularly strong predictor. Recommendations address HR directors, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, and supply chain professional bodies on integrating talent management into supply chain capability building strategies in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. Keywords: talent management, supply chain performance, oil and gas, Akwa Ibom State, operational efficiency.