| 1 |
Author(s):
Harry Gloria Boma.
Page No : 1-24
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Reverse Logistics Adoption and Market Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Rivers State.
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between Reverse Logistics Adoption (RLA) and Market Performance (MP) among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Driven by resource scarcity, stringent environmental regulations (like those from NESREA), and the strategic need for circularity, RLA encompassing returns management, remanufacturing, and recycling is hypothesized to determine competitive advantage. Utilizing the Resource-Based View (RBV), the research employs a cross-sectional survey design targeting registered SMEs across key sectors. Data will be analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Hierarchical Multiple Regression to test the direct and joint effects of RLA dimensions on MP measures (Sales Growth, Market Share, Customer Satisfaction). Expected outcomes include a validated framework linking sustainable supply chain practices to enhanced market outcomes, offering actionable strategies for SME managers and evidence-based recommendations for regulators in the Niger Delta region.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Amangwai Josiah Monday (Ph.D.), Ujah Matthew Onoja (Ph.D.).
Page No : 25-29
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True Nationalism: A Tool for African Development.
Abstract
Despite abundant human and natural resources, many African states continue to face persistent challenges of underdevelopment, weak institutions, and socio-political instability. This paradox has prompted scholars to interrogate internal factors that hinder development beyond colonial legacies and external dependency. This article argues that true nationalism—defined as inclusive, civic-oriented, and development-driven patriotism—is a critical but underutilized tool for African development. Drawing on political theory, African political thought, and contemporary governance experiences, the article examines how true nationalism can foster unity, good governance, economic self-reliance, and sustainable development across the continent. The study concludes that without a genuine national consciousness anchored in shared values and collective responsibility, Africa’s development efforts will remain fragile and externally dependent.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Wiam Id Boumsoud, Bilal Zaghmout, Yacoob Suleiman, Farag Edghiem.
Page No : 30-44
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Employability and Labour Market Disruption: A Case Study of socially privileged young Moroccan Millennials.
Abstract
This study explores how socially privileged young Moroccan Millennials experience employability in the context of profound socio-economic, technological, and political disruptions of the past two decades. While older generations offered guidance based on expectations of stable career pathways, Millennials in Morocco have come of age during a period marked by the global financial crisis, rapid digitalisation transformation, the COVID-19 pandemic, global postcolonial political instability, and the emergence of artificial intelligence. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with late young Moroccans aged 27-33, the research examines three dimensions of their employability trajectories: the career expectations shaped by generational advice, the realities they encountered in disrupted labour markets, and the strategies they developed to adapt. The findings highlight a persistent mismatch between traditional expectations of secure employment and the fragmented, precarious, and competitive opportunities available. Successful stories illustrate adaptive strategies such as entrepreneurial activity, digital upskilling, and flexible career identities. The study contributes to debates on youth transitions and employability by situating Moroccan Millennials within global shifts while emphasising their local specificities, thereby extending understanding of how young people in the Global South navigate disrupted worlds of work.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Agum Charles, Wilson Daniel Anjola.
Page No : 45-64
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Assessing the Economic Effects of Inflation and Food Insecurity on Household Incomes in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Abstract
This study examined the economic effects of inflation and food insecurity on household incomes in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, targeting households across six districts within Akwanga. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and ordinal logistic regression. The analysis focused on capturing both the direction and significance of the relationships between inflation, food insecurity, coping strategies, and household incomes. Findings showed that inflation had a significant negative effect on household income, indicating that rising prices of goods and services eroded purchasing power and reduced real earnings among households in the area. Food insecurity also exhibited a negative and significant impact on income, suggesting that limited access to adequate and affordable food further constrained economic stability. However, coping strategies, such as income diversification, informal borrowing, food rationing, and asset management, had a positive and statistically significant influence on household income, highlighting the role of resilience mechanisms in cushioning economic shocks. In response to these findings, the study recommended targeted interventions. The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Finance were advised to implement inflation control measures that are sensitive to rural economic realities. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Ministry of Agriculture, was encouraged to strengthen rural food systems through improved input access, storage infrastructure, and food distribution networks. To support household-level resilience, the Bank of Industry and Development Bank of Nigeria were urged to expand microcredit access, while local government authorities and the National Orientation Agency were called upon to promote sustainable coping strategies through community engagement.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Fredrick Githui, Jane Njuru (Ph.D.).
Page No : 65-76
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The Strategic Impact of Circular Economy Implementation on Competitive Advantage and Financial Resilience in Select Emerging Market Industries.
Abstract
This article is an exploratory investigation of the different ways in which the integration of strategic sustainability influences the competitive advantage and the long-term survival of select firms in emerging economies. Using a desk review approach, the paper studies the existing empirical and theoretical literature that deals with sustainability practices, competitive strategy, and corporate-performance models. A majority of the materials consulted contend that the adoption of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework by corporate businesses is a source of advantage and competitiveness for companies. The studies cite several benefits of the strategy, among them are the efficiency in terms of the operation cost, the improvement of the brand image, the motivation of green innovation and the attraction of stakeholders. In addition, firms with sustainability-targeted strategies will not only be able to lower their expenses through resource optimization but will also be able to gain a competitive advantage in global markets with strict sustainability requirements and become more resilient to environmental and regulatory risks. Quite a few businesses, on the other hand, are still struggling with the problem of turning sustainability into the core of their long-term strategic planning because of institutional instability and the existence of conflicting short-term financial pressures in their operating environments. Although this is the case, the literature always points out that such companies will eventually perform better and will be in a stronger position in the market compared to those that have not taken such initiatives. The article argues that the implementation of sustainable strategies is fundamental not only for the achievement of environmental goals but also for the increase in the competitiveness of the companies. In essence, the analysis advocates the view that sustainability integration turns into business benefits when it is considered as a provider of new innovation and new market opportunities. Moreover, it allows the capturing of the long-term financial benefits embedded in Resource-Based Views (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities (DC) and Stakeholder Theory (ST) perspectives. To be efficient, the integration must be supported by the right governance and regulatory frameworks and, at the same time, it needs access to a funding source willing to finance sustainable projects. Therefore, the agenda of capacity building will have to be prioritized if firms want to use the commitment to ESG principles as a source of added value and sustained competitive advantages. The authors encourage corporate management and governments to take action for a mutual benefit by making the cooperation between their activities a powerful tool to motivate climate change mitigation innovation and increase firms’ intensities of competitiveness in line with the quick changes of the globalized markets.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Korikiye Wenibowei (Ph.D.), Binaebi Bariweni (Ph.D.).
Page No : 77-102
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Policy Frameworks and Investment Strategies for Sustainable Research Ecosystems in Bayelsa State.
Abstract
Bayelsa State, despite its strategic economic significance as a major oil and gas producer in Nigeria, faces a critical development paradox: immense natural resource wealth coexists with severe infrastructural deficits and limited research capacity. This paper analyzes the existing policy landscape and proposes a comprehensive framework of integrated strategies designed to build a robust, sustainable, and impactful research infrastructure ecosystem. Such an ecosystem is fundamental for driving economic diversification, addressing unique environmental challenges like oil pollution and coastal erosion, fostering innovation, and achieving the state's long-term development goals as outlined in its "ASSURED Agenda" . By leveraging strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and smart governance structures, Bayelsa can transform its economy from resource-dependent to knowledge-driven.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Ugbe Thomas Adidaumbe, Esekpa Ofem Ibor, Ekarika Wisdom Amos.
Page No : 103-113
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Mixed-Method Approach: Evaluating Government Performance in Nigeria through Hunger, Inflation, and Poverty (2013–2023).
Abstract
Using a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis, this study investigates the complex relationship between inflation, poverty, and hunger in Nigeria from 2013 to 2023. Secondary data sources, including reports from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the World Bank, and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), are used in the quantitative analysis. Inflation, poverty, and hunger are strongly positively correlated, according to important statistical methods like trend analysis, correlation, regression analysis, and time series forecasting (2024–2030). According to the results, a 1% increase in inflation causes a 1.11% increase in poverty, indicating that inflation is a major cause of economic suffering. Furthermore, hunger is directly impacted by poverty; for every 1% increase in poverty, the hunger index rises by 0.58 points. By 2030, time-series estimates indicate that the economy would continue to deteriorate, with inflation topping 30%, poverty exceeding 61%, and hunger reaching crisis proportions. This study emphasizes how important macroeconomic stability is to enhancing societal wellbeing and gives policymakers data-driven insights to carry out long-term economic reforms.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Orina Mochache Stephen , Erastus Nyile (Ph.D.).
Page No : 113-131
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Circular Supply Chain Management and Performance of Chemical and Allied Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya.
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: The study examined the influence of selected circular supply chain management practices on the performance of chemical and allied manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, the study focused on reverse logistics, sustainable sourcing, and material resource optimisation and how these practices affect firm performance in terms of operational efficiency, cost reduction, environmental compliance, and competitiveness.
Problem Statement: Chemical and allied manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County operate in an environment characterized by high production costs, stringent environmental regulations, increasing waste management challenges, and growing stakeholder pressure for sustainability. Despite the strategic relevance of circular supply chain practices, many firms continue to rely on linear supply chain models, resulting in inefficiencies, resource wastage, and suboptimal performance. Empirical evidence on how specific circular supply chain practices influence firm performance in the sector remains limited, necessitating this study.
Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design targeting 188 chemical and allied manufacturing firms registered in Nairobi City County. A census approach was employed, with data collected from senior managers responsible for supply chain, operations, and procurement functions using structured questionnaires. The instruments were tested for validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, including correlation and multiple regression analysis.
Findings: The findings revealed that reverse logistics, sustainable sourcing, and material resource optimisation each had a statistically significant and positive influence on firm performance.
Conclusion: The study concludes that circular supply chain management practices are critical strategic drivers of performance in the chemical and allied manufacturing sector.
Recommendations: The study recommends that firms strengthen reverse logistics systems, institutionalize sustainable sourcing policies, and invest in material resource optimisation technologies to enhance operational performance and long-term sustainability.
Keywords: Circular supply chain management, Firm performance, Reverse logistics, Sustainable sourcing, Material resource optimisation.
