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 p0.01, 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 p0.01, 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.
Isegbe et al. (Fri,) studied this question.