HARNESSING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAINS IN POST-COVID-19 NIGERIA

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed several weaknesses in Nigeria’s supply chains, including poor coordination, lack of digitalisation, and weak risk management frameworks. In the wake of the pandemic, there has been a growing need to invest in digital technologies to achieve resilient supply chains that enhance sustainable development. This paper seeks to discuss the role of digital technologies in improving supply chain resilience in post-COVID-19 Nigeria. The study employs an exploratory design to explore the effects of digital technologies on supply chain resilience in selected organisations. The research question is addressed using a mixedmethodology approach consisting of questionnaire surveys and key informant interviews. The target population for this study was supply chain and logistics organisations, and the sample size selected comprised manufacturing, retail, and logistics companies. Quantitative data collected from the survey were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate qualitative data obtained from key informant interviews. The study findings reveal that the use of digital technologies can improve supply chain visibility, coordination, collaboration, and risk management, which are integral to achieving supply chain resilience. The study also found that organisations that had invested in digital technologies were more competent and adaptable in responding to supply chain disruptions and crises like the COVID19 pandemic. The study concludes that digital technologies are key to enhancing supply chain resilience in the Nigerian economy. The study recommends a need for government and relevant agencies to invest more in digital infrastructure, technologies, and capacity building to promote supply chain resilience in support of sustainable development.