Factors Influencing the Adoption of Environmental Sustainability Practices in Selected Petroleum Industries in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the organisational and regulatory factors influencing the adoption of environmental sustainability practices in selected petroleum industries in Southeast Nigeria. The petroleum sector remains economically important, but its operations are associated with environmental concerns that require stronger sustainability responses. A cross-sectional survey research design and quantitative approach were adopted. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to employees and management personnel in selected oil and gas companies. A total of 420 questionnaires were distributed, 392 were retrieved, and 384 valid responses were used for analysis, representing a valid completion rate of 91.4%. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviation, as well as multiple regression analysis. The findings showed high agreement with organisational factors, regulatory factors and environmental sustainability adoption, with mean scores of 4.23, 4.07 and 3.95, respectively. The regression results indicated that organisational factors had a significant positive effect on environmental sustainability adoption (β = 0.45, t = 9.62, p < 0.05). Regulatory factors also had a significant positive influence on adoption (β = 0.37, t = 7.88, p < 0.05). The model explained 58.0% of the variation in environmental sustainability adoption. The study concludes that internal organisational support and consistent regulatory oversight are important for improving sustainability practices in petroleum firms.