Nigerian Environment Research Articles

Willingness and barriers to utilizing e-therapy services: A Nigerian general population qualitative study

ABSTRACT We explored the willingness and barriers to utilizing e-therapy services in Nigeria where the prevalence of mental illness is high. A qualitative open-ended study was conducted with a heterogeneous sample of 100 Nigerians with an age range of 18–52 years. Participants were members of the general Nigerian population, recruited from social media. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Eighty-eight participants were willing to utilize e-therapy services in Nigeria. Their willingness was driven by factors such as their experiences during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, “perceived comfort in pouring out one’s heart to a therapist that is guaranteed in e-therapy,” and curiosity to explore what e-therapy entails. On the other hand, nine participants were unwilling, and their unwillingness was mostly driven by the perception that the Nigerian environment was disenabling for e-therapy (for instance, poor electricity supply in Nigeria). While three participants were neutral about their willingness. Twelve barriers to utilizing e-therapy services in Nigeria were identified, they were; “poor internet service”, “high internet service charge”, “limited communication”, “lack of trust in the efficacy of e-therapy services”, “preference for face-to-face therapy”, “concerns about confidentiality”, “anticipated stigmatization”, “technological illiteracy”, “ignorance of existing e-therapy services in Nigeria”, “absence of e-therapy services in Nigeria”, “uncertainty about what to expect from e-therapy service”, and “perceived distraction during e-therapy session.” While our findings contribute to strengthening the utility of e-therapy services in Nigeria, future studies should replicate the current study with the digitally excluded Nigerian general population.

Potential of adopting a resilient safety culture toward improving the safety performance of construction organizations in Nigeria

PurposeDespite the efforts of organizations to improve safety performance, shortfalls of the strategies have been reported in numerous studies around the globe. However, previous studies in countries with more organized construction sectors show that adopting a resilient safety culture by organizations has a tendency of improving safety performance. As safety culture is dynamic which differs with geographical context, the purpose of this paper is to achieve two objectives: testing the causal relationship between safety performance and resilience safety culture in the Nigerian construction environment; and determining the key components for ensuring the resilience of construction organizations with regards to safety.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research approach was used. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The population of the study comprises small and medium construction organizations predominantly across the Northern region in the Nigerian built environment. A total of 180 questionnaires were distributed to construction managers and safety managers in respective organizations to serve as respondents to the study. Partial least square – structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the relationship between safety performance and resilience safety culture. While principal component analysis was used determining the key components for ensuring the resilience of construction organizations with regards to safety.FindingsFindings of this study revealed that resilient safety culture has a significantly strong positive relationship with safety performance. Safety hazard recognition and effective safety response attitude were identified as the key components for guaranteeing a resilient safety culture.Practical implicationsWith a view to achieve a consistently high safety performance, organizations have to acknowledge and anticipate unexpected hazardous events and provide the necessary safety resources to manage them. Furthermore, there is also the need to create awareness on recognized safety concerns on safety hazards, coupled with a dynamic risk response attitude to ensure consistent improvement in safety performance.Originality/valueThis study presents an alternative to the slow and reactive safety culture of the Nigerian built environment. This study builds on existing literature, and the findings explore the potential impact of adopting a resilient safety culture in construction organizations in Nigeria. This study provided further insights into key factors organizations need to focus on to ensure resilient nature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior study in this regard was conducted in Nigeria despite its apparent need.

Analysis, Occurrence and Ecological Risk Assessment of Diclofenac and Ibuprofen Residues in Wastewater from Three Wastewater Treatment Plants in South-Western Nigeria

Despite the frequent detection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) worldwide in the aquatic environment, there is currently a paucity of studies from Africa, including Nigeria, on the occurrence and potential ecological risks of two commonly used NSAIDs diclofenac and ibuprofen in wastewater and effluent receiving water. In this work, diclofenac and ibuprofen were determined in wastewater from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and effluent receiving water in South-Western Nigeria. Instrumental analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Ecological risk was assessed for four trophic levels: fish, daphnia, algae and bacteria. The method quality parameters were satisfactory for the accurate determination of target NSAIDs in wastewater and effluent receiving water. Maximum concentrations of diclofenac and ibuprofen in wastewater were 166.1 µg L-1 (UCH influent) and 62.0 µg L-1 (Ijaiye effluent), respectively. Ibuprofen posed high risk to fish in all effluent and effluent receiving water samples. Bacteriawere the most sensitive organisms to the presence of diclofenac while fish was the most sensitive to ibuprofen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence and ecological risk assessment of diclofenac and ibuprofen residues in wastewater from Nigerian municipal and hospital WWTPs. More efficient wastewater treatment processes and technologies are recommended for the investigated WWTPs to reduce the discharge of target NSAIDs and other pharmaceuticals into the Nigerian aquatic environment.
 Keywords: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, wastewater, ecological risk assessment, Nigeria

Appraisal of the philosophical paradigms and constructs in social analysis put forward by Ahiauzu and Asawo (2016) and Zeb-Obipi (2006)

This paper evaluated the philosophical paradigms and constructs in social analysis put forward by Ahiauzu and Asawo (2016) and Zeb-Obipi (2006). Advanced Social Research Methods authored by Ahiauzu and Asawo (2016), addresses the philosophical underpinning of social research such as the fundamental intellectual traditions and the baseline social theories that guide social research. The book situates practical illustrations of research studies in Nigeria as a way of contextualizing research methods within the Nigerian sociocultural environment. A significant feature that makes this book unique is the practical application of social research with examples and cases that students can relate to. Significantly, the text introduces students to some of the basic Computer Assisted programmes for quantitative research (SPSS and LISREL) and Qualitative Research (Nvivo). This text is organized into eight chapters: Chapter one deals with the Basic Elements of the Theory and Philosophy of Knowledge; Chapter two handles Baseline Social Theories; Chapter three x-rays the Approaches to Social Research; Chapter four deals with the Fundamental Elements in Social Research; Chapter five treats the Social Research Process; Chapter six is for the Fieldwork and Data Management; Chapter seven handles Data Analysis and Reporting; and Chapter eight, which is adapted from The African Industrial Man (Ahiauzu, 1999), is the Type ‘A’ Method for Social Research in Africa. Zeb-Obipi’s (2006) paper titled “Analysis of Organisational Action: Types and Importance of Philosophical Constructs” posits that organizations and their actions constitute complex and dynamic phenomena; and this, coupled with the interest of management scholars and practitioners has led to the use of a diversity of analytic constructs. As more and more of such constructs are being advanced, old ones are being refined and/or used to offer fresh or additional perspectives; often resulting in competitive or contradictory frameworks and demanding for some form of mental cleaning or perceptual filtration occasionally. Zeb-Obipi’s (2006) presented filtration with respect to the philosophical constructs in terms of their philosophical analysis of organizations and organizational actions.

Occurrence and remediation of naturally occurring radioactive materials in Nigeria: a review

It is commonly believed that radioactive pollution originates mainly from anthropogenic activities, yet studies have revealed that naturally occurring radioactive materials account for over 80% of human exposure to ionizing radiation. In particular, reports suggest that severe health risks are associated with exposure to elevated concentrations of radioactive materials such as potassium 40K, uranium 238U and 235U, and thorium 232Th. Few reviews address the occurrence, risk assessment, and potential remediation strategies of radioactive pollution in Nigerian environments. In waters, concentration as high as 2.42 ± 0.28 Bq/L has been reported in rivers, which is much higher than the radionuclide permissible level of 1 Bq/L. In soils, activity concentrations of gamma-emitting radioactive materials are higher than the worldwide average crustal values. In air, the absorbed dose rates are also often higher, of 86.44 nGy hr−1, than acceptable limits of 60 nGy hr−1. The level of radionuclides is indicative of the type and mineral composition of the parent rocks. Advances in remediation technologies suggest that electroremediation, bioremediation, and adsorption are the most efficient approaches for decontamination.

WHY THE QUEUING IN THE BANKING ENVIRONMENT IN THE ERA OF ELECTRONIC BANKING

Managing queuing within the banking business in Nigeria has constituted major challenges whose effects have not been thoroughly examined. This study sets to investigate the continuous queuing in the Nigerian banking environment despite e-banking adoption in Nigeria. The research adopted a survey design where primary data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Fifty (50) respondents were purposively chosen. A purposive sampling technique was used which considered banks having branches within Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and Ogbomoso town. OLS regression was used to determine the influence of electronic banking on customers queuing the factors for queuing in the banking environment amid e-banking adoption at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that queue in the study area was most of the time very high in the morning, high in the afternoon and evening while at night, most time witnessed no queue. Electronic banking had a significant influence on customers’ queuing in the study area. Further, Tendency to Hold Cash by banks customers (THC), Poor Internet Infrastructure (PII), Cybercrime (CC) were the major factors causing bank customer queue in the banking environment in Nigeria, followed by Inadequate of Banking Technology Management (IBTM) and E-Banking Transaction Cost (EBTC). Therefore, banks service providers should increase efforts on cashless e-banking services and ensure reliable internet service at all times. Bank customers should be made to appreciate other e-banking services than ATM and allay fear on tendency to hold cash.

SUSTAINING INNOVATIVE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN ACHIEVING ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY

Business organisations are facing the challenges of innovative adaptation in human resource management in Nigeria. The study aims at highlighting the various areas of conscious alignment of human resource management to the ever changing technology in the Nigerian work environment as a boast to achieving organizational productivity. Data used for the research were secondary and primary. In a field research of Petterson Group Ltd, an Onitsha based human resource consultancy firm, a likert structured questionnaire containing eight (8) items were designed and administered on the management staff. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. Hypotheses were tested using Z-test in the SPSS software. Findings reveal that functional areas of human resources; recruitment, training and development as well as salary and wage administration are experiencing noticeable innovations. It is recommended that close cooperation between employers and relevant agencies and organs of government will go a long way in facilitating effective implementation of statutory innovations and reforms like in the areas of contributory pension scheme, monetization, minimum wage, etc.
 Keywords: Innovation, Human Resource Management, Organizational Productivity.

The Fisher Separation Theorem And Capital Budgeting Decisions Of Quoted Firms In Nigeria

This study explored the Fisher separation theorem and capital budgeting decisions of quoted firms on the Nigerian stock exchange. A sample of 60 questionnaires were filled and returned by staffs from particular sectors like manufacturing, health and agriculture. Descriptive statistics was employed to illustrate the data while the Spearman rank order correlation test was used to determine if a significant relationship exist among the variables. From the estimates, the Net Present Value and Modified Internal Rate of Return are regularly employed by firms in making capital budgeting decisions. Also, when firms employ capital budgeting tools, it creates wealth for both managers and shareholders, providing support for the Fisher’s separation theorem. Finally, a correlation coefficient of 0.827 reflect a positive and linear relationship between capital budgeting decision and Shareholders’ value creation. Thus, an increase in capital budgeting decisions result to an increase in value creation. This outcome is consistent with findings from other economies and previous studies. It thus recommends that firms in the Nigerian environment should ensure they play down on shareholders’ desire for dividends and instead redirect their funds to more investments by employing suitable capital budgeting decisions.

CRUDE PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF GROWING CHICKENS UNDER NIGERIAN ENVIRONMENT

A FEEDING trial was carried out with Warren cockerels to determine the minimum crude protein requirements of growing chickens (6 - 14 Weeks) under the Nigerian (tropical) environment. Three series of diets with protein levels ranging from 13 to 22 percent were used for this study. The first series consisted of unsupplemented all-plant protein diets, the second and third series were the all-plant protein diets supplemented with methionine or methionine plus fishmeal respectively. Satisfactory growth and feed conversion efficiency were observed with increasing concentration of protein, changes in body weight being similar to the pattern observed with the baby chicks fed the same protein levels (Njike 1978a). Maximum weight gain was achieved by chicks on unsupplemented rations containing 20 and 22 percent protein and on 18 % protein diets supplemented with methionine or methionine plus fish meal. The result clearly showed that there is no advantage in supplementing grower rations with fishmeal; the most economic ration is unsupplemented 18% protein diet The performance of chicks on unsupplemented 18% protein diet or 16% protein diet supplemented with methionine or methionine plus fishmeal are comparable and are protein levels of choice for growing chickens under tropical conditions like Nigeria.

Response of Japanese quail chicks (Cortunix cortunix japonica) to various dietary energy levels in a tropical environment

A total of one thousand and eighty (1080) unsexed day-old quail chicks with an average initial weight of 7.68±0.39g were used in a feeding trial to determine the growth response of quail chicks fed iso-nitrogenous rations to various dietary energy levels in Nigerian (tropical) environment. Six iso-nitrogenous (26% CP) diets containing 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900 and 3000 Kcal/kg ME were used in a complete randomized design, respectively for the study. The birds were fed feed and water ad libitum for 6 weeks at the end of which 10 birds from each replicate were randomly selected for carcass analysis. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the final live weight, weight gain, cost per gain and age at 1 egg across dietary treatments. Feed, intake decreased non-significantly (P>0.05) as the level of energy increased in the diets. Total protein, Haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell and white blood cell were non significantly (P>0.05) affected by dietary treatments and were within the normal range for quails. The cholesterol level however, increased non-significantly (P>0.05) as the level of dietary energy increased. Except for the carcass weight and abdominal fat, the carcass parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that a dietary energy level of 2800 Kcal/kg ME, will be adequate for optimum performance of quail chicks under the condition of this experiment

Crude Protein Requirements Of Egg-type Baby Chicks Under Nigerian (Tropical) Environment

TWO feeding trials were conducted with day old mixed sexes of Apollo (White Leghorn) strain. The first experiment was designed to test the effectiveness of all — vegetable protein diets to meet the requirements of baby chicks. While the second one was designed to find out whether synthetic methionine and/or fishmeal supplementation are desirable in low quality protein of groundnut cake. Results showed that a diet based on plant proteins only, namely, those of groundnut cake and maize, is capable of stimulating rapid growth in chicks. Diets containing 24% all-vegetable protein, 22% plant protein plus 0.35% feed grade methionine or 20% plant protein containing 3% of fishmeal plus 0.37% feed grade methionine, satisfied the requirements for rapid growth and efficient feed utilization in young chicks. However, based on the prevailing prices of the ingredients used in formulating the rations, the results indicate that ration based on 24%of all — plant protein diet was least expensive.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE WHITE FULANI (BUNAJI) ZEBU CATTLE OF NORTHERN NIGERIA IN A SOUTHERN NIGERIA ENVIRONMENT

Sixteen lactating white Fulani cows blocked in fours according to stage of lactation were used in assessing milk yield and composition and herbage consumption from four tropical grass/legume pasture mixtures over four-28 day periods in an orthogonal 4 x 4 latin square design. Available herbage dry matter averaged 29 -70kg/cow/day but the cows only consumed an average of 9.64kg/day. Crude fibre content of the herbage was generally high (range 38.7 to 39.2%) whilst organic matter digestibility was low (range 60.7 to 65.7%). Differences in milk yield and composition, except percentage milk protein which was significant at 5% level, were not statistically significant. Indigenous cattle, grazing improved tropical pastures under the Southern Nigerian environment, have been shown to be capable of consuming and digesting enough herbage to provide adequate nutrients for both maintenance and substantial liveweight gains during a greater part of the year (Ogor & Henrich, 1961: Mcllroy, 1962; Okorie, Hill & Mcllroy 1965; Oyenuga 1968 and Olubajo, 1969). By inference such pastures would be expected to provide sufficient energy protein and other nutrients for maintenance and milk production of cattle producing about 6.8 to 9 kg milk per day. Such an assumption, however, lacks validity, since there are at present, no data on the performance of milk producting cattle grazing improved pasture under local conditions. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the consumption and utilization of some improved tropical grass/legume pasture mixtures by the lactating indigenous white Falani Zebu Cattle

ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM AS VERITABLE INSTRUMENTS OF A STABLE NIGERIAN POLITY: THE NEED FOR AN INCLUSIVE PUBLIC POLICY

Like in most other nations of the world, the round leather game (football) is one sport that triggers the display of solidarity among Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and other social affiliations. Another experience of a similar magnitude of show of solidarity in this country is the Festivals of Arts and Culture which also displays the potentials in tourism. This study examined the potentials of Arts, Culture and Tourism as instruments of unification of Nigerians for purposes of a stable Nigerian political environment as well as the need for an inclusive public policy. Data was obtained from secondary materials while the mode of analysis was content analysis. The secondary materials include – books, journals, periodicals, newspapers, the internet, etc. The sociological and anthropological modernized theory, Durkheim (1997) was adopted as the theoretical framework of the study. Findings showed that, the Festivals of Arts and Culture across this country are often associated with so much fanfare, enthusiasm, relaxation, show of solidarity, oneness, that people tend to forget their social identities, groups, ethnicities, religions and other social inclinations. Hence, this paper suggested that government evolves an inclusive policy that would regularize and formalize the organization of Festivals of Arts and Culture in this country. The paper came to the conclusion that such festivals with great potentials for the unification of nationals should be harnessed for purposes of the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians. The paper noted that this could only be realized through a well-articulated and inclusive public policy on Arts, Culture and Tourism.

Grassland Research in Nigeria - A Survey with Recommendations

PAST and present attempts to upgrade grassland productivity in Nigeria are briefly surveyed. The considerable potential of the Nigerian environment for grassland farming and the tremendous research efforts applied are not reflected in the level of animal production which, at this stage, is low. The imbalance is attributed to shortage of expertise, limited application of tropical agronomic principles and weakness in the dissemination of research findings. Proposals are made in respect of a proper integration of the soil, pasture and animal systems whereby the need for expensive conservation and supplementary feeding procedures will be reduced. The implications of the suggestions are discussed.

ENTREPRENUERSHIP PRACTICES IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND A WAY FORWARD TOWARDS BUILDING A STRONG NATION

The aim of this research is to determine the entrepreneurs’ perception on the quality of their operation in Nigerian business environment in relation to building strong nation. It is no longer secret that most Nigerian goods cannot compete in terms of price and quality in the open international market. The problem lies in the cost profile of our manufacturing processes, inefficient design of entrepreneurship business, poor management of entrepreneurs funds which hardly been helped by the high cost of obtaining basic service that are taken for granted elsewhere. Effective implementation of policy is the best way out of these problems. The methodology adopted was conceptual in nature, intensive library work was carried out to explicate the theoretical issues, also the study relied heavily on Secondary data which is collected and published by CBN, SMEDAN, Text book, Journals, Periodicals and other related documents. The finding from the previous researchers revealed a positive relationship between entrepreneurship practices and nation building. Therefore, the study recommends appropriate authority should create a viable programme with aim of improving and enriching the effectiveness of those programmes as well as providing the necessary update to keep track of the pace of building strong Nation. And for Nigeria business environment to be salvaged from being the shadow of its former self, business policies must be backed up with appropriate funding, with commitment, Sincerity and consciousness of direction for greater good for all entrepreneur toward building a strong nation.

Covid-19 pandemic and The Nigerian primary healthcare system: The leadership question

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the pathetic nature of the Nigeria healthcare system has become more glaring. In First World countries, the ravaging nature of the pandemic, marked by a high death toll, elicits trepidation among Nigerian citizens. What is more, these fears are not necessarily as a result of the lethal nature of COVID-19 but rather, they are consequent of certain conditions amongst which include: an inept and unconcerned leadership, accompanied by dilapidated health institutions characterized by poor working conditions and incentives. It is in lieu of these unhealthy conditions that the dreaded disease found its footing in the Nigerian environment. Against this background, this paper argues that the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, its local dispersion occasioned by paucity of medical personnel and supplies due to decades of neglect of health care system is worrisome. This study recommends an overhaul of the healthcare system with the aim of achieving a robust health care system for Nigerian citizens. Thus far, various scholars have focused on corrupt leadership practices of Nigerian leaders without a detailed and in-depth study on the nexus between the health sector and this failure. It is this obvious gap in scholarship that this present study sets out to fill. The paper adopts a qualitative approach which will be anchored on primary and secondary sources of historical methodology. Thus, its significance lies in its ability to bring to the fore the nexus between leadership failure in Nigeria and the neglect of primary healthcare system. It will also expose the vulnerability of the Nigerian rich and poor in the face of the global pandemic.

Accounting Code of Ethics: Severity Analysis of Threats to Compliance of Auditors in Nigerian Business Environment

The study examined the severity of the five (5) major threats to compliance with code of ethics by auditors in Nigerian business environment. These threats are Intimidation Threats, Self interest Threats, Advocacy Threats, Familiarity Threats and self review Threats. Using survey research design, data for the study were obtained primarily through questionnaire deigned to reflect the five (5) point Likert scale. The internal reliability of the constructs on each item of the threats was done using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient and value above 0.70 obtained for all items of the construct. With random sampling, questionnaires were distributed to 360 auditorsfrom three (3) states of Nigeria namely Kogi, Benue, and plateau states in private practice and in employment of organizations out of which 210 of them were returned with 195 found usable. Responses obtained on the extent to which respondent agree or disagree with the nature and severity of items of the construct on each threat were analyzed empirically using simple percentage of non – parametric statistics and ranking of percentages. Findings indicated that among the threats faced by auditors in the course of their duty, Intimidation Threats (ITs) ranked first and the most severe of all categories of threats. Further correlation analysis revealed a strong, positive and significant relationship between the threats. The study recommended among others that auditors should have adequate and sufficient regard for their career and reputation striving constantly towards objectivity, honesty, and probity. These are traits or character of complete virtue that enable auditors to stand firm against all odds of threats to the profession.

Assessment Of Some Basic Empirical Path Loss Model For Vhf And Uhf In Kano City Nigerian Environment

Assessment Of Some Basic Empirical Path Loss Model For Vhf And Uhf In Kano City Nigerian Environment

Assessment of the moderating effects of Nigerian market environment on the relationship between management success determinants and SMEs’ performance

A reported eighty-five percentage failure rate of SMEs in Nigeria before five years of operation was ascribed to a lack of knowledge of the market environment. Hence, this study investigated the moderating effects of the Nigerian market environment on the relationship between management success determinants and SMEs’ performance to see how the environment has affected SMEs’ performance. The study employed a survey research design, the population of the study comprised chief executive officers (CEOs) of registered SMEs, and a sample size of 1,102 was used. Probability sampling methods of stratified, proportionate, and random sampling were adopted. Responses were collected through a predetermined set of questions and a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that the Nigerian market environment had moderating effects on the relationship between management success determinants and SMEs’ performance (R = 0.817, R2 adjusted = 0.664, R2 change = 0.041, and Fchange = 19.694 at ρ = 0.000), most of the Nigerian market environment’s components have significant moderating effects on all the management success determinants relationship with SMEs’ performance; management skills (β = 0.220, 0.182; ρ < 0.05), innovation (β = 0.147, 0.135; ρ < 0.05), operating system (β = 0.083, 0.061; ρ < 0.05), organizational structure (β = 0.290, 0.303; ρ < 0.05), business reporting system (β = 0.142, 0.137; ρ < 0.05), system flexibility (β = 0.110, 0.107; ρ < 0.05), environmental scanning (β = 0.091, 0.062; ρ < 0.05). Only decision-making is not statistically significant (β = 0.037, 0.004; ρ > 0.05). These imply that Nigerian SMEs’ decisions under intense environmental turbulence are mostly ineffective, and the effects of management success determinants in facilitating performance were also drastically reduced as well as firms’ system flexibility. The study has a practical value of identifying the effect of the Nigerian market environment on the relationship between management success determinants and SMEs’ performance, thus revealing the gaps in the Nigerian SMEs’ management factors. Acknowledgment(s)To Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and Small Scale Enterprises Association of Nigeria for their support in ensuring participation of their members.

Prospects and challenges of entrepreneurship internationalization on the competitiveness of SMEs

Purpose Global presence pursuit by Nigerian firms has increased the inquiry into internationalization. While a few implement regional presence, the pros and cons of full internationalization are evaluated. Giving the scarce empirical research, this paper aims to add to scholarly works and knowledge on internationalization and establish regional internationalization as the feasible option for Nigerian firms. Design/methodology/approach Random and stratified sampling techniques were used. Data collection was conducted with questionnaire copies and analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model. Findings Internationalization strategy enhances small and medium enterprises (SME’s) competitive advantage, and full internationalization seems unrealistic for Nigerian firms; however, regional internationalization is the bedrock for full internationalization. Finally, the nature of the Nigerian business environment developed an increased value creation process in SMEs through increased flexibility and problem-solving abilities. Practical implications SMEs should internationalize partially, and critically evaluate socio-cultural and institutional environmental challenges in this study, to enable them to strategize for full internationalization. Originality/value The study demonstrates that the only way to fast track the internationalization drive of SME’s in Nigeria is first to embrace regional internationalization because it is difficult to achieve full internationalization at a go. Then, apply appropriate strategies to embrace full internationalization in the nearest future.