Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection

Vincent Ikape Isegbe; Olubunmi Olanike Alawode; Friday Abaye Igbadumhe

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12

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Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection

Vincent Ikape Isegbe

, Olubunmi Olanike Alawode^*

, Friday Abaye Igbadumhe

Published in International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization (Volume 14, Issue 1)

Received: 17 January 2026 Accepted: 26 January 2026 Published: 20 February 2026

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Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between self-regulation status of exporters and the level of Nigerian crop produce rejection by the destination countries. This study adopted descriptive research design using a cross-sectional survey. Primary data were sourced from a sample of 305 crop exporters with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and ordinary least square regression (OLS) model. The results of principal component analysis showed that a high proportion (39.67%) of the exporters were non self-regulated. The OLS regression results showed that the five domains of self-regulation; absence of phytosanitary certificate, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms and/or contaminants, forgery and/or alteration of phytosanitary certificate, concealment of strange agro-produce in a consignment of certified crop produce, and exportation of prohibited materials, had significant relationships with crop produce rejection at p<0.01, as they increased the number of times of crop produce rejection by 4.24, 4.73, 3.29, 3.89, and 2.81, respectively. At p<0.01, exporters being non self-regulated significantly increased the number of crop rejection by approximately 5 times. In conclusion, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms/contaminants contributed most to Nigerian crop produce rejection and there is a significant relationship between self-regulation status of crop produce exporters and Nigerian crop produce rejection. It was recommended that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service should train the crop exporters more on the need to meet laid down protocols, guidelines, and processes involved in phytosanitary inspection. This is with a view to improving the exporters’ self-regulation and support the zero rejection initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Published in	International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization (Volume 14, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12
Page(s)	10-21
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Crop Produce Export, Crop Produce Interception, Crop Produce Rejection, Self-Regulation, Phytosanitary Certificate

References

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[2]	Abdullahi, N. M., Aluko, O. A. and Xuexi, H. (2021b). Determinants, efficiency and potential of agri-food exports from Nigeria to the EU: evidence from the stochastic frontier gravity model. Agricultural Economics/Zemědělská Ekonomika, 67(8), 337-349.
[3]	Alabi, O. O., Madaki, M. J., Sanusi, S. O., Umar, S. A., Omole, E. B., Olumuyiwa, S. A., David, H. S., Emeghara, U. U., Waziri-Ugw, P. R. & Shaba, M. G. (2022). Factors influencing export performance of Ginger (Zinbiger officinale) in Nigeria, International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Food Sciences 6(3), 370-377.
[4]	Alawode, O. O. (2025). Trend and Implications of Crop Produce Rejection in Nigeria. International Journal of Business & Law Research, 13(2), 8-17. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15175415
[5]	Barreiro‐Hurle, J., García‐Alvarez‐Coque, J. M., Martinez‐Gomez, V. and Marti, L. (2024). Trade impacts of external border measures under the European Union's plant health legislation. Pest Management Science, 80(3), 1607-1614.
[6]	Eze, E. I, Inyiama, O. I. and Ezugwu, I. (2023). Corporate Overheads and Operational Performance of Brewing Firms in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Management Review, 11(9), 1-15.
[7]	Khatami, F., Ricciardi, F., Cavallo, A. and Cantino, V. (2022). Effects of Globalization on Food Production in Five European Countries. British Food Journal, 124(5), 1569-1589.
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[9]	Lengai, G. M., Fulano, A. M. and Muthomi, J. W. (2022). Improving Access to Export Market for Fresh Vegetables through Reduction of Phytosanitary and Pesticide Residue Constraints. Sustainability, 14(13), 8183.
[10]	Okeke, I. C., Agu, E. E., Ejike, O. G., Ewim, C. P. and Komolafe, M. O. (2023). A Conceptual Model for Agro-Based Product Standardization in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector. International Journal of Frontline Research Review, 1(3), 1-17.
[11]	Owolabi, I. O., Karoonuthaisiri, N., Elliott, C. T. and Petchkongkaew, A. (2023). A 10-year analysis of RASFF notifications for mycotoxins in nuts. Trend in key mycotoxins and impacted countries. Food Research International, 172(6), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112915
[12]	Ozhiganova, G. V. (2019). Self -regulation and self-regulatory capacities: Components, levels and models. RUDN Journal of psychology and pedagogics, 15(3), 255-270.
[13]	Schunk, D., Berger, E. M., Hermes, H., Winkel, K. and Fehr, E. (2022). Teaching Self-Regulation. Nature Human Behaviour, 6(12), 1680-1690.
[14]	Somorin, Y. M., Odeyemi, O. A. and Ateba, C. N. (2021). Salmonella is the most common foodborne pathogen in African food exports to the European Union: analysis of the rapid alert system for food and feed (1999–2019). Food Control, 123, 107895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107849
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[16]	Zhe Chen, X. L., Shohong, X. and Xianli, X. (2024). Individual Self-Regulation, External Monitoring and Farmer’s Safe Production Behaviour: Evidence from the Kuan-Chung Plain, China. Journal of Environmental Management, 354, 120474.

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APA Style

Isegbe, V. I., Alawode, O. O., Igbadumhe, F. A. (2026). Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection. International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 14(1), 10-21. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12

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ACS Style

Isegbe, V. I.; Alawode, O. O.; Igbadumhe, F. A. Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection. Int. J. Econ. Behav. Organ. 2026, 14(1), 10-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12

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AMA Style

Isegbe VI, Alawode OO, Igbadumhe FA. Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection. Int J Econ Behav Organ. 2026;14(1):10-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12,
  author = {Vincent Ikape Isegbe and Olubunmi Olanike Alawode and Friday Abaye Igbadumhe},
  title = {Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection},
  journal = {International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {10-21},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijebo.20261401.12},
  abstract = {This study investigated the relationship between self-regulation status of exporters and the level of Nigerian crop produce rejection by the destination countries. This study adopted descriptive research design using a cross-sectional survey. Primary data were sourced from a sample of 305 crop exporters with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and ordinary least square regression (OLS) model. The results of principal component analysis showed that a high proportion (39.67%) of the exporters were non self-regulated. The OLS regression results showed that the five domains of self-regulation; absence of phytosanitary certificate, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms and/or contaminants, forgery and/or alteration of phytosanitary certificate, concealment of strange agro-produce in a consignment of certified crop produce, and exportation of prohibited materials, had significant relationships with crop produce rejection at p<0.01, as they increased the number of times of crop produce rejection by 4.24, 4.73, 3.29, 3.89, and 2.81, respectively. At p<0.01, exporters being non self-regulated significantly increased the number of crop rejection by approximately 5 times. In conclusion, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms/contaminants contributed most to Nigerian crop produce rejection and there is a significant relationship between self-regulation status of crop produce exporters and Nigerian crop produce rejection. It was recommended that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service should train the crop exporters more on the need to meet laid down protocols, guidelines, and processes involved in phytosanitary inspection. This is with a view to improving the exporters’ self-regulation and support the zero rejection initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection
AU  - Vincent Ikape Isegbe
AU  - Olubunmi Olanike Alawode
AU  - Friday Abaye Igbadumhe
Y1  - 2026/02/20
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12
T2  - International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
JF  - International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
JO  - International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
SP  - 10
EP  - 21
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-7616
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12
AB  - This study investigated the relationship between self-regulation status of exporters and the level of Nigerian crop produce rejection by the destination countries. This study adopted descriptive research design using a cross-sectional survey. Primary data were sourced from a sample of 305 crop exporters with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and ordinary least square regression (OLS) model. The results of principal component analysis showed that a high proportion (39.67%) of the exporters were non self-regulated. The OLS regression results showed that the five domains of self-regulation; absence of phytosanitary certificate, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms and/or contaminants, forgery and/or alteration of phytosanitary certificate, concealment of strange agro-produce in a consignment of certified crop produce, and exportation of prohibited materials, had significant relationships with crop produce rejection at p<0.01, as they increased the number of times of crop produce rejection by 4.24, 4.73, 3.29, 3.89, and 2.81, respectively. At p<0.01, exporters being non self-regulated significantly increased the number of crop rejection by approximately 5 times. In conclusion, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms/contaminants contributed most to Nigerian crop produce rejection and there is a significant relationship between self-regulation status of crop produce exporters and Nigerian crop produce rejection. It was recommended that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service should train the crop exporters more on the need to meet laid down protocols, guidelines, and processes involved in phytosanitary inspection. This is with a view to improving the exporters’ self-regulation and support the zero rejection initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Vincent Ikape Isegbe

Department of Management and Accounting, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0008-8575-4798
Olubunmi Olanike Alawode

Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1201-1770
Friday Abaye Igbadumhe

Department of Management and Accounting, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0009-7011-9801

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APA Style

Isegbe, V. I., Alawode, O. O., Igbadumhe, F. A. (2026). Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection. International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 14(1), 10-21. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12

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ACS Style

Isegbe, V. I.; Alawode, O. O.; Igbadumhe, F. A. Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection. Int. J. Econ. Behav. Organ. 2026, 14(1), 10-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12

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AMA Style

Isegbe VI, Alawode OO, Igbadumhe FA. Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection. Int J Econ Behav Organ. 2026;14(1):10-21. doi: 10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12,
  author = {Vincent Ikape Isegbe and Olubunmi Olanike Alawode and Friday Abaye Igbadumhe},
  title = {Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection},
  journal = {International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {10-21},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijebo.20261401.12},
  abstract = {This study investigated the relationship between self-regulation status of exporters and the level of Nigerian crop produce rejection by the destination countries. This study adopted descriptive research design using a cross-sectional survey. Primary data were sourced from a sample of 305 crop exporters with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and ordinary least square regression (OLS) model. The results of principal component analysis showed that a high proportion (39.67%) of the exporters were non self-regulated. The OLS regression results showed that the five domains of self-regulation; absence of phytosanitary certificate, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms and/or contaminants, forgery and/or alteration of phytosanitary certificate, concealment of strange agro-produce in a consignment of certified crop produce, and exportation of prohibited materials, had significant relationships with crop produce rejection at p<0.01, as they increased the number of times of crop produce rejection by 4.24, 4.73, 3.29, 3.89, and 2.81, respectively. At p<0.01, exporters being non self-regulated significantly increased the number of crop rejection by approximately 5 times. In conclusion, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms/contaminants contributed most to Nigerian crop produce rejection and there is a significant relationship between self-regulation status of crop produce exporters and Nigerian crop produce rejection. It was recommended that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service should train the crop exporters more on the need to meet laid down protocols, guidelines, and processes involved in phytosanitary inspection. This is with a view to improving the exporters’ self-regulation and support the zero rejection initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Self-Regulation Status of Exporters and Nigerian Crop Produce Rejection
AU  - Vincent Ikape Isegbe
AU  - Olubunmi Olanike Alawode
AU  - Friday Abaye Igbadumhe
Y1  - 2026/02/20
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12
T2  - International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
JF  - International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
JO  - International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
SP  - 10
EP  - 21
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-7616
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijebo.20261401.12
AB  - This study investigated the relationship between self-regulation status of exporters and the level of Nigerian crop produce rejection by the destination countries. This study adopted descriptive research design using a cross-sectional survey. Primary data were sourced from a sample of 305 crop exporters with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and ordinary least square regression (OLS) model. The results of principal component analysis showed that a high proportion (39.67%) of the exporters were non self-regulated. The OLS regression results showed that the five domains of self-regulation; absence of phytosanitary certificate, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms and/or contaminants, forgery and/or alteration of phytosanitary certificate, concealment of strange agro-produce in a consignment of certified crop produce, and exportation of prohibited materials, had significant relationships with crop produce rejection at p<0.01, as they increased the number of times of crop produce rejection by 4.24, 4.73, 3.29, 3.89, and 2.81, respectively. At p<0.01, exporters being non self-regulated significantly increased the number of crop rejection by approximately 5 times. In conclusion, infestation of crop produce with harmful organisms/contaminants contributed most to Nigerian crop produce rejection and there is a significant relationship between self-regulation status of crop produce exporters and Nigerian crop produce rejection. It was recommended that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service should train the crop exporters more on the need to meet laid down protocols, guidelines, and processes involved in phytosanitary inspection. This is with a view to improving the exporters’ self-regulation and support the zero rejection initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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