Nigerian Market Research Articles

Effect of Public Finance Implications on The Economic Standard of Nigerians: A Longitudinal Study

This study examined the impact of the national budget, exchange rates, trade openness, inflation rates, and interest rates on the purchasing power parity and per capita income of Nigeria during the period spanning from 2009 to 2022. Data was gathered from the Central Bank Nigeria and the World Bank. The data was further analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square methods at a significance level of 5% for the purpose of detailed estimation. Results of the study showed that the national budget, exchange rates, trade openness, inflation rates, and interest rates had significant and positive impacts on Nigeria’s purchasing power parity and per capita income. The results of the study imply that, to increase the purchasing power parity and per capita income of Nigerian citizens, the government should focus on improving the quality of budget execution, ensure exchange rate stability, implement more trade policies that will open the Nigerian market and increase foreign investment, focus on maintaining a low inflation rate, and ensure the stability of

Entry-Level Export Strategies in Developing African Countries

Considering Nigeria as an economically and demographically viable target market, this study examined entry-level export strategies that could facilitate the expansion of foreign firms to the Nigerian market. It was necessitated by the intricacies experienced by foreign companies in obtaining credible information about the Nigerian market for internationalization decision-making. The study adopted a narrative literature review design, relying on experiential insights and secondary data obtained from government and industrial sources in Nigeria to obtain the information presented in the investigation. An in-depth content analysis method was used to analyze the secondary data obtained for the study. From its findings, it was revealed that Nigeria is a profoundly viable export destination for a wide variety of foreign products including consumer electronics, ICT accessories, fashion, cosmetics and smartphone accessories. Nevertheless, the country’s volatile economic condition poses substantial risks for foreign companies in terms of foreign currency fluctuations; but using an export strategy, these risks can be considerably mitigated. This indicates the need for careful and deliberate export planning before entry into Nigeria to ensure that exporters familiarize themselves with information and knowledge of the workings of the Nigerian market. To this end, we recommend that intending export companies should carefully select suitable market segments they can consistently serve; they should also ensure to obtain all necessary certifications and permits from key agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to ensure smooth operations; and in terms of export entry option, we recommend a hybrid approach (direct and indirect exportation), which avails companies the opportunity of using local expertise and network to achieve effective distribution while maintaining strong control over their products.

Hybrid Distribution Model and Market Penetration of Consumer Electronics in Nigeria

In a geographically large and diverse market like Nigeria, gaining full-scale market penetration for consumer goods can be a herculean task due to inadequate transportation infrastructure, and lack of robust channel structure. This study sought to mitigate this challenge by investigating the causality between hybrid distribution model and market penetration. It specifically aimed to determine the influences of direct and indirect distribution on market penetration of consumer electronics in Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional research design. Primary data were obtained from 384 major distributors of consumer electronics in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Ikeja through a structured questionnaire. Snowball and quota sampling techniques were applied to recruit respondents for the survey. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the hypotheses of the study were tested using multiple linear regression. The findings of the study revealed that even though both direct and indirect distribution strategies had significant positive influences on market penetration of consumer electronics in Nigeria, the indirect distribution approach had a higher contribution to market penetration. Hence, the study concluded that hybrid distribution model strategically enhances the ability of manufacturers of consumer electronics to achieve extended market penetration in Nigeria. Therefore, we recommended that: manufacturers of consumer electronics should establish direct distribution outlets in Nigeria such as company warehouses, manufacturer-owned retail stores, corporate online stores, and direct sales representatives in order to effectively sell products to customers while eliminating the prospects of third-party adulterations, counterfeiting and other unwholesome practices of middlemen; and there is need for manufacturers of consumer electronics to collaborate and strategically partner with capable intermediaries like wholesale distributors, retail chain stores, independent retailers, online marketplaces, authorized dealers and market traders to achieve extended market coverage and ensure their products are extensively available in the Nigerian market.

Nutritional Composition of Some Selected Commercial Juice Made in Nigeria

Introduction: Nutrient-fortified food play a crucial role in addressing nutritional deficiencies among infants and children, making them more appealing for consumption. Research focuses on baby foods, particularly reconstituted juice drink, which serve as significant sources of essential minerals and vitamins. However, the nutrient composition of these products varies, leading to differences in quality. The objective of this study is to assess the disparities in the nutritional content of various children's juice drink available in the Nigerian market. Methods: Proximate analysis was carried out according to the standard procedure of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) to evaluate the nutritional composition of the selected juice drink. Minerals content were determined using Atomic Absorption and Flame Spectroscopy Techniques. The determination of the Vitamin A content in the samples was conducted following a modified Spectrophotometric Method. For Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), the Vitamin C content in the samples was assessed utilizing a Spectrometric Method coupled with 2,4 Dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH) procedures. Results: Examination of the proximate and mineral analyses of ten chosen fruit juice brands revealed notable variations. Capri sonne exhibited the highest moisture content at 94.2%, while Hollandia Yogurt has the lowest at 81.3%. Chapman, Nutri Milk, and Viju Apple Flavor Milk shared the highest ash content at 0.5%, whereas Hollandia Malt, Piko Orange, and Piko Strawberry displayed the lowest at 0.01%. Nestle Malt boasted the highest crude protein concentration at 4.38%, with Capri sonne recorded the lowest at 0.18%. Hollandia Yogurt and Hollandia Malt demonstrated the highest crude fiber content, while Vitavite Multivi, Piko Orange, and Piko Strawberry showed the lowest. Regarding total carbohydrates, Hollandia Yogurt topped the list at 14.6%, while Vitavite Multivi ranked lowest at 6.57%. Nestle Millo contained the highest vitamin C content at 25.7%, whereas Piko Strawberry has the lowest at 3.82%. Caprosonne registered the highest vitamin A content at 0.6%. In terms of mineral analysis, Hollandia Yogurt exhibited the highest sodium percentage at 22.6mg/g, while Nestle led in calcium, iron, and magnesium content at 120.4mg/g, 1.7mg/g, and 25.5mg/g, respectively. It can therefore be inferred from the outcome of this study that, Milo Nestle is the best drink for children due to its higher protein, carbohydrate, vitamins (A and C) and minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Na) contents, followed by Hollandia Malt as compared to other juice studied.

An Investigation of the Safety and Nutritional Adequacy of Infant Formulas Found in Nigeria

Introduction Human breast milk is most recommended for the feeding of infants. Infant formulas could be introduced due to a number of reasons relating to the health of the mother or of the baby.  Objective To assess the nutritional adequacy and safety of commonly sold infant formula milk brands in the Nigerian market.  Method An observational study was conducted in Plateau State Nigeria around the months of February – April 2023 where five (5) different brand of infant formulas where compared. These were chosen because they were the most commonly available formulas in the market. Macro and micronutrient content of each formula milk was carefully collected from the cans and documented. Also, a comparison was made between the selected infant formulas and the European Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrient (ESPGHAN) guidelines.  Results All included infant formula brands (SMA, Peak Baby, My Boy, NAN, and Lactogen) have their content within the optimal range as specified by the ESPGHAN. However, some formulas did not contain elements as fluoride and Niacin. Others are Aracidonic acid (AA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DNA) and Nucleotides.  Discussion Findings from this study revealed that all the included infant formula brands could be considered safe but not all are nutritionally adequate for infant feeding.  Conclusion There is a need re-evaluate the composition of infant formula brands commonly sold on the Nigerian market. This is necessary since the commonly available brands were not nutritionally adequate.

EFFECT OF TACTICAL PLANNING ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MOBILE SERVICE PROVIDERS IN NIGERIA

Purpose: The research aimed to examine the impact of tactical planning on the performance of mobile service providers in Nigeria. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework employed in this research is rooted in the Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory. RBV offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how operational planning influences the performance of mobile service providers by aligning internal resources with external market conditions and contributing to sustained competitive advantage. Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a survey research design, the study utilized a multistage sampling technique to gather primary data from a sample of 350 randomly chosen employees representing the workforce of the four major mobile network operators in Nigeria—MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9Mobile—comprising the study's target population. Findings: The result of the regression analysis established a positive and statistically significant (p<0.05) relationship between tactical planning and business growth in Nigeria's mobile communication sector. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that tactical planning is a substantial contributor to business growth in the telecom sector in Nigeria. Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study suggests that Nigerian mobile service providers should invest in refining their tactical planning processes, regularly assess their strategies, foster a culture of continuous improvement, engage in employee training, collaborate with industry peers, and stay updated with technological advancements. Companies should invest in comprehensive training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build the strategic capabilities of their teams, ensuring a more effective implementation of tactical plans. Originality/Value: The findings of this study are likely to have practical implications for mobile service providers, informing their tactical strategies and decision-making processes for improved performance and competitiveness in the Nigerian market.

Development of a Software Package for Computing Psychometric Properties of Multiple Choice Tests Using Norm-Referenced Approach.

This work is on the development of a software package for computing the psychometric properties of multiple choice tests using norm-referenced approach. Focus was on item indices which are difficulty, discrimination and distracter indices. There are no easily affordable statistical packages in the Nigerian market for the computation of these indices. Most studies involving them have always been done manually due non-availability of affordable statistical software. Hence, the researcher was motivated to embark on this investigation. Three research questions were formulated to guide this study. Analysis of the existing system was done on BILOG-MG statistics. This study deployed the following methodologies: mathematical, structured systems analysis and design methodology (SSADM), the object-oriented analysis and design methodology (OOADM) and prototyping. The design for the study was instrumentation. The population for the study was 225 students which consisted of all the JS3 students of 2016/2017 session in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The researcher made use of two instruments for the study. The first was the Rivers State Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), 2017 multiple choice questions in Mathematics. The second was a group of system software: HTML, PHP, JavaScript and MySQL. The responses of the students were used to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the software package developed in this study. Data analysis was done first with manual computation and second with the software package that was developed. The manual computation took the researcher 180 hours while the electronic computation with the developed software took only six hours to complete. The findings from the results of the study showed that the developed software was accurate in computing the difficulty, discrimination and distactor indices of the test items and it has a very high rate of accuracy. The study recommended that the developed software should be used to compute the difficulty, distractor and discrimination indices of multiple choice tests.

The Outlook of Tomatoes with extended Shelf Life in Nigeria and the Ensuing Safety Measures and Regulated Introduction by Nigerian Regulatory Authorities

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is widely consumed worldwide. The primary chance to influence tomatoes' edibility and market value lies in regulating the synthesis and function of the plant hormone ethylene responsible for ripening. The usage of harmless substances on tomato surfaces, a reduction in storage temperature, the implementation of modified atmosphere packaging, or a combination of these approaches have been associated with increasing tomatoes’ shelf life. As crop plants containing a genetically modified trait through molecular techniques continue their transition from the laboratory to the field, the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has been reported to be developing genetically modified (GM) tomatoes by deactivating polygalacturonase (PG) gene that is responsible for polygalacturonase which is the enzyme that aids fruit softening and subsequently increases the shelf life of the tomatoes to be released in the Nigerian market. This article looks at tomatoes (S. lycopersicum) and the methods used in increasing their shelf life with more focus on the genetically modified tomatoes and the needed regulations by the Nigerian regulatory bodies before its commercialization in the country. Environmental and health hazards that require careful consideration in the course of embarking on the genetical modification and introduction of the hybrid tomatoes into the Nigeria markets encompass potential biodiversity loss, adverse impacts on natural food chains, and the potential rise of more virulent pathogen populations. Nevertheless, it is crucial to emphasize that the biotechnological processes and products must be accompanied by effective regulations to mitigate these concerns, National Biosafety Management Agency is believed to be engaged with these needs.

Breaking Barriers: The Crossroads of Social Media, Affiliate, and YouTube Marketing in Nigerian Integrated Marketing Communication

This research investigates the interplay between marketing strategies and Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) within the dynamic Nigerian market. Hypothesis 2 suggests that there is a statistically significant correlation between an upsurge in Affiliate Marketing (AM) and an increase in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC). Hypothesis 1 posits that there exists a statistically significant negative correlation between Social Media Marketing (SMM) and Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), indicating that the increasing prevalence of SMM may impede the effectiveness of IMC in the context of Nigeria. Hypothesis 3 posits a statistically significant negative correlation between YouTube Marketing (YM) and Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), indicating that an escalation in YM might potentially lead to a reduction in IMC, specifically in terms of Internalized Motivation to Conform. A purposive sampling technique is employed to conduct a descriptive survey among marketing and sales department officers from Coca- Cola HBC Nigeria, Uber Nigeria, and Dulux Paints. The objective of this survey is to determine the optimal sample size for the study. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), a statistical technique known for its proficiency in managing limited sample sizes and non-normal data distributions, to analyse the responses obtained from Likert Scale questionnaires. The statistical analysis of the study was found to be valid, and its relevance to Nigerian business marketing strategies was emphasized through the use of SmartPLS calculations.

The Influence of Marketing Mix Strategy on Bread Customer Satisfaction in Nigerian Market

Bread is a practical and ready-to-eat food. Urban people consume Bread as a breakfast menu. This causes the bakery industry to grow even more. This study aims to analyze the purchasing decision process, analyze the dimensions in the marketing mix that affect consumer satisfaction, analyze the level of satisfaction formed by the marketing mix and formulate managerial implications from the results of the marketing mix analysis. Data were obtained from 120 respondents determined by convenience sampling and analyzed using the Structural Equation Model. The results showed that consumers go through all stages of the purchase decision process. Consumers buy Bread based on the motivation to meet their needs as a substitute for rice. Consumers obtain information about Bread from advertising. The main evaluation criterion for consumers before deciding on the purchase of Bread is the condition of the Bread. The consumer's purchase plan depends on the situation. If the variety of types of Sari Roti sought is not available, and there is a price increase, the consumer's action is still to buy Bread. However, if another brand of Bread provides a discount, consumers switch to that other brand of Bread during that period only. Marketing mix has a positive and significant effect on consumer satisfaction. This shows that the role of product, price, place and promotion increases customer satisfaction. The dimensions of product and price have a more substantial influence than place and promotion. The level of customer satisfaction of Sari Roti is in the very satisfied category. The recommended managerial implications are increased availability, 24-hour sales, public relations and sales promotion.

The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria: An Empirical Study

The objective of this study is to detect which elements act as a key driver of high FDI inflows in Nigeria. It is predictable to help foreign investors to get better understanding in the nature of FDI and support the investment decision. In lieu of the above, extensive hypothesis were developed to identify a suitable model of foreign direct investment for Nigeria. After the hypothesis, data were then collected from various official data base for Nigeria to conduct the empirical research. However, the study foresees the gathering of reliable and consistent secondary information for the retro 1980-2022 from World Development Indicators (WDI) record on the World Bank. Data were composed on variables that were supposed to have the potential in persuading foreign direct investment in Nigeria which was based mainly on the features of the economy. The data collected were analyzed via various econometric techniques. Findings from the study show that the size of the Nigerian market and the level of their economy openness are major determinants of FDI inflows. The result further suggests that high inflation rate is a hindrance to FDI. Several policy recommendations were made as the research will be a practical mean, not only for academic purpose. Its discoveries, if applied will cause for sure a real improvement in the investment climate of Nigeria.

Investigating the factors fostering early-stage digital start-up survival during gestation in Nigeria market

The challenge of failure is a well-known issue for many founders of digital start-ups during market entry. Unfortunately, sub-Saharan Africa has experienced a particularly high rate of failure for digital start-ups during early-stage development. Between 2010 and 2018, an average of 54.20% of digital start-ups failed on the continent. Globally, the survival rate during early-stage development is only around 10% to 20%, which means that roughly 80% of digital start-ups fail during market entry. To address this issue, it's critical to investigate the factors that contribute to the few successes, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study focuses on the behaviour of Nigerian founders whose digital start-ups survived during market entry. The goal is to explore how these founders overcame the various complexities and uncertainties that come with entrepreneurial activities in the Nigerian market. The researcher conducted a qualitative case study research, using enactment theory and effectuation theory to investigate the underlying factors that drive the actions and practices of founders to the early-stage survival of digital start-ups in Nigeria.

UV Spectrophotometric Quantification of Sudan-IV Dye in Palm Oil from Major Markets of Benin Metropolis

The deficit in the supply of palm oil in Nigeria over the years has been met in part through smuggling of the product from different sources into the Nigerian market by marketers of which some of the products have been reported to be adulterated with azo dyes. The aim of this study was to detect and quantify sudan dyes in adulterated palm oil from the open market using simple and inexpensive procedures such as analytical thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Ultra violet spectrophotometric methods respectively. Seven palm oil samples from the open markets within Benin metropolis labelled as (AUC, AUC2, IK1, IK5, OLK1, ADIT, and OB) were screened for the presence of Sudan-III and Sudan-IV dyes. Four of the samples (IK1, IK5, OLK1, ADIT) were confirmed to contain Sudan-IV dye with quantities of 22.5mg/L, 21.7mg/L, 29.5mg/L, 23.8mg/L respectively. This experiment shows that the use of easy and cheap methods such as TLC and UV-spectrophotometry can be used to detect and quantify Sudan dyes in adulterated palm oil.

Health tourism as one of the attractive tourist patterns with a focus on the Nigerian market (proposed perspective).

Health tourism as one of the attractive tourist patterns with a focus on the Nigerian market (proposed perspective).

A Test of Positive Feedback Trading among Foreign Portfolio Investors in Nigeria

It has been established in the literature that the trading behavior of international investors may increase market vulnerability, especially for emerging markets. Consequently, this study examines whether positive feedback trading exists in the Nigerian stock market. Both descriptive and inferential analyses are carried out on monthly data covering the period 2013 to 2020. Specifically, the ARDL bounds testing approach is employed. Findings indicate that positive feedback trading exists in the market, as stock returns have positive and significant influence on foreign portfolio inflows. The results further show that this trading pattern becomes more prominent with rising economic growth. The findings again reveal that the exchange rate and the interest rate explain the foreign portfolio inflows in the Nigerian market. The study’s outcomes lend support for the pull theory in explaining the foreign portfolio inflow. However, no evidence is found in support of the push theory, as an explanation for the foreign portfolio inflow as the “OPEC basket crude oil price” is insignificant. It is thereby recommended that regulators should adopt measures that will help foreign investors to be better informed about the Nigerian market, in order to reduce their positive feedback trading behavior. Moreso, there is a need for the government to put in place policies targeted toward enhancing the growth of the stock market and the economy. In this way, the negative impact of such trading behavior will be minimal, as short-term trading by foreign investors will be reduced and the foreign portfolio inflows will be sustainable.

Concentrations of Pesticides Residues in Grain Sold at Selected Markets of Southwest Nigeria

The objective of this work is to determine the concentration of the identified pesticide in grains commonly used by farmers, and which are available directly from the open markets in the Nigerian market. The research was carried out at Kwara State University (Kwara State) and Afe Babalola University (Ekiti State) research laboratory. A total of twenty-four (24) samples were collected in the frame of this preliminary study within the month of August and September 2021. Pesticide residues were quantified through a multiresidue method using a varian 3800/4000 Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS). The simultaneous measurement of four classes of pesticides by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) approach using sample preparation on QuEChERS-citrate, was developed and validated. The results frequently showed high specific contamination, which makes sense given the target market and dietary diversity in the area. This study found that grains purchased from particular markets in southwest Nigeria contained numerous pesticide residues. The MRLs set by the EU or FAO/WHO or both were surpassed by 17 out of the total 27 pesticides reported in this work in at least one grain, despite the fact that there was no published codex MRLs for some pesticide residues in some grains. These residues were classified among the four pesticides classes: carbamates, organophosphates, organochlorines, and pyrethroids. In actuality, 90% of the mainly banned organochlorine pesticides exceeded MRLs. Thus, this study revealed higher concentration levels of organo-chloride pesticides and organo-phosphate pesticides in grain samples drawn from selected markets in southwest Nigeria. Consumers seeking high-quality food in Nigeria should take note of these facts. Notwithstanding, the small number of samples with detectable residues suggests that there is a necessity to increase monitoring of pesticides in grains, educating farmers, and raising their awareness of the dangers associated with the unauthorized use of pesticides that are only allowed in agriculture and can damage the reputation of the sector as a whole. In order to check and restrict its unauthorized importation, sale, and use, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and restrict (NAFDAC), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other pertinent entities must boost surveillance.

Concentrations of Pesticides Residues in Grain Sold at Selected Markets of Southwest Nigeria

The objective of this work is to determine the concentration of the identified pesticide in grains commonly used by farmers, and which are available directly from the open markets in the Nigerian market. Pesticide residues were quantified through a multiresidue method using a varian 3800/4000 Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS). The simultaneous measurement of four classes of pesticides by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) approach using sample preparation on QuEChERS-citrate, was developed and validated. The results frequently showed high specific contamination, which makes sense given the target market and dietary diversity in the area. This study found that grains purchased from particular markets in southwest Nigeria contained numerous pesticide residues. The MRLs set by the EU or FAO/WHO or both were surpassed by 17 out of the total 27 pesticides reported in this work in at least one grain, despite the fact that there were no published codex MRLs for some pesticide residues in some grains. These residues were classified among the four pesticides classes: carbamates, organophosphates, organochlorines, and pyrethroids. In actuality, 90% of the mainly banned organochlorine pesticides exceeded MRLs. Thus, this study revealed higher concentration levels of organo-chloride pesticides and organo-phosphate pesticides in grain samples drawn from selected markets in southwest Nigeria. Consumers seeking high-quality food in Nigeria should take note of these facts.

Microbiological and physicochemical properties of fermented and unfermented sweet potato flour

This research accesses the suitability of using processed flours from fermented and unfermented yellow-fleshed sweet-potato as alternative flour based on their physiochemical and microbiological properties. Raw yellow sweet potato tubers were obtained from a local Nigerian market and processed into fermented and unfermented sweet potato flours. Their microbiological and physiochemical (proximate and functional) properties were analyzed using standard methods. The microbiological results identified six bacterial genera; (Bacillus, Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Lactococcus, and Enterobacter) and five fungal genera (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Candida, and Saccharomyces). Bacillus and Aspergillus spp. were the most dominant bacterial and fungal genera respectively. The physiochemical result reveals that fermenting sweet potato flour resulted in improved protein, moisture content, and water and oil adsorption capacities compared to the unfermented flour. The pH also decreased from 8.8 to 5.0 after 72 h of fermentation. Most of the microorganisms isolated are associated with plants, water, environment, and fermentation, they are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) organisms and their potentials can be further exploited in the food industry. These findings highlights the potentials of incorporating fermentation techniques in enhancing the nutritional and techno-functional attributes of sweet potato flour as a healthy alternative gluten-free flour-based staple diet.

Awareness, practices and perspectives on ensuring access to ideally packaged iodized salt in Nigeria

Salt iodization is a positive exemplar of a sustainable public-private partnership in promoting better nutrition outcomes in many countries. However, the gains in the past decades are gradually being eroded, following laxity in policy implementation, monitoring and regulatory roles resulting in increasing access to non-labelled salt in the Nigerian market. This study was designed to evaluate the awareness, practices and perspectives on salt iodization and regulations among salt marketers and consumers in Ibadan, Oyo state.This mixed-method study was carried out in seven major markets across Ibadan metropolis. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 77 salt users/clients, 103 salt vendors, 12 salt wholesalers and four regulators/producers. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on types/brands of salt, handling, retail practices, awareness, and salt purchase preference. Structured in-depth interview was used to elicit information on existing regulations, compliance level, and monitoring activities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.Males constituted 66.7%, 1.0% and 14.3% of respondents among wholesalers, retail vendors, and clients, respectively, with 100.0%, 58.3% and 84.4% having at least primary education. All wholesalers and 30.1% of retail vendors used shaded structure. About 67% of the wholesalers and 58.3% of the retailers sold branded salt. Clients’ basis for the use of non-branded salt included cheapness and greater quantity (54.5%), higher intensiveness/saltiness and greater quantity (22.1%), and cheaper cost (18.2%). Only 3% of the consumers were aware of mandatory salt iodization, 3.9% were aware of guidelines on salt marketing and only 18.2% handled salt safely. Safe handling practices were found among all wholesalers and 44.7% of the retailers. Qualitative findings revealed the existence of regulation on the production, packing and marketing of salts in Nigeria, however, enforcement and monitoring at the market level is weak.The demand and use of industrial salt in food preparation remain widespread among consumers in Ibadan, Nigeria following limited awareness of salt iodization programme and its benefits. Regulations on salt marketing should be enforced at all levels and nutrition education on salt iodization should be intensified.

Real earnings management in related party transactions: does sustainable development triangle (SDT) matters for business innovation in Nigeria?

PurposeThe study aims to examine the association between the sustainable development triangle and real earnings management (REM) and the moderating role of business innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on the quadruple bottom line approach to measuring corporate sustainable development. For the REM, Roychowdhury model is used to identify the practices. The study used panel data using 740 firm-year observations from non-financial listed companies in the Nigerian market from 2011 to 2020, collected from the Nigeria Stock Exchange.FindingsThe study finds a negative influence on the association of economic, environmental, social and governance (EESG) on REM in related party transactions. Thus, by regressing the three different components of REM separately, then EESG will have strongest impact as well. The study suggests a bidirectional association between EESG and REM. Furthermore, the study finds that business innovation strengthens the negative association between EESG and REM. The study concludes that sustainable companies in the Nigerian public market are less liable to practice REM.Research limitations/implicationsThe study examines only non-financial listed companies quoted on the Nigeria Stock Exchange, which restricts the generalization of the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study should be of immense value to the investors who need comprehensive appraisal of earnings quality to enhance sustainable development strategies for sustainable business innovation among Nigeria firms. Thus, sustainability and innovation can serve as the principles for supporting developing countries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting a sustainable development.Social implicationsThe study will be of immense value to policymakers, regulators and standard setters who demand for facts insightful of business practices and reporting behaviors for sustainable development.Originality/valueExisting studies have mainly focused on triple bottom line. This study adds to the existing body of literature on the Quadruple bottom line in an African market. More so, the study investigates the impact of business innovation on the relationship between economic, environmental, social and governance and real earnings management, which was rarely investigated in the prior literature.