THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CUSTOMER-SUPPLIER RELATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE OF SME’S IN NIGERIA

This study explores the effect of customer-supplier relationship on Supply Chain Performance (SCP) of manufacturing SMEs in Northwestern Nigeria, with Competitive Advantage (CA) examined as a mediating variable. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing structured questionnaire to collect data from 186 respondents across selected manufacturing SMEs in the region. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed for data analysis using SmartPLS. The findings reveal that customer relations (β = 0.312, p < 0.01) and supplier relations (β = 0.268, p < 0.01) exert the strong direct effects on supply chain performance while Competitive Advantage partially mediates the relationship between the independent variables and SCP. Based on the results, the study recommends that manufacturing SMEs should prioritize creating strong and durable connections with consumers by investing in customer-centric policies, and invest in robust supplier relations to enhance competitiveness and performance. Policymakers should develop supportive frameworks and infrastructure integration among SMEs so as to optimize supply chain outcomes and stimulate regional industrial growth.