The Role of Lean Manufacturing in Enhancing Productivity in Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Lean manufacturing (LM) is a strategic approach aimed at reducing waste, optimizing efficiency, and improving productivity in production processes. The successful implementation of LM throughout various industries across the globe fails to translate into adequate adoption by Nigerian SMEs because of financial limitations, inadequate infrastructure, and organizational obstacles. This research explores how Nigerian SMEs can improve their productivity through LM by studying both benefits and implementation difficulties together with adoption approaches. Researchers used a systematic review method to examine peer-reviewed sources and reports and Nigerian case studies from international and domestic perspectives. The research establishes that LMS produces substantial improvements in operational efficiency while offering cost-reduction features and delivering quality product outcomes for SMEs. Its adoption remains restricted because Nigerian SMEs face obstacles stemming from low awareness, resistance to change, financial limitations, and insufficient infrastructure. This paper reviews successful LM implementations in developing economies, which demonstrates functional patterns for Nigerian SME sectors. Research findings indicate Nigerian SMEs need specific government backing and training initiatives plus progressive implementation approaches to receive complete benefits from LM. The study enhances the current knowledge base through its systematic analysis of LMs in Nigerian SME productivity and proposes evidence-based solutions for implementing LMs effectively among small businesses

Lean Manufacturing, Productivity, Nigerian SMEs, Operational Efficiency, Waste Reduction

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